I had my US Government class reenact the Constitutional Convention today! Chad, you would have been proud. It was kind of like one of those mystery dinners - I gave each person a piece of paper that told them who they were, what they proposed, and how they voted. Then I moderated and led them through the process. It was so much fun! Some of them got into it more than others (I asked the rep from New Jersey if he was drunk when he started mumbling his part without standing up). But I think they all enjoyed that more than they would have enjoyed a lecture.
I also held two classes outside today because the weather was INCREDIBLE. They did pretty well at paying attention, although I did have to follow through on my threat and make them go back inside when they got too distracted. Fortunately that was only for the last ten minutes of the day, so I got to save face while still getting lots of nice outside time. Yay!
This morning I was at Dunkin Donuts and glimpsed a nun working behind the counter. I did a massive mental double take before realizing that it was Halloween. To celebrate I think I'll go do a lesson plan and grade some papers... And maybe eat some candy.
Monday, October 31, 2005
Saturday, October 29, 2005
The Newport Bridge!
Inspired by Melo's insistence that I really can have a picture if I want one (see Oct 14 post), I went on line to find some great shots. Here are the fruits of my labors:
beautiful 
beautifmdsul
beautiful 
beautifmdsul
Friday, October 28, 2005
Friday!
After a couple of days of being so edgy I wanted to run screaming from the study hall because the kids KEPT making NOISES, I had a laid-back and energy-filled day today! I'm not sure why. Maybe it's just some weird psychological trait that refuses to allow me to have three edgy days in a row. Anyway, it sure made for a fun day today.
In government class we were talking about the George Washington bridge (it was only vaguely related to our class), so of course I had to sing the "George Washington Bridge" song to them. I was bellowing it out and looking down the row of kids, and was pleasantly surprised to see the last one, a boy whom I would consider the hardest to connect with, laughing really hard! I could have been offended, of course. It's not as if he was laughing at the sheer talent of it all. But actually I was quite pleased - it was a connection. And then he kept insisting that I must have made it up myself. I protested that such was not the case. I just don't know it very well so I kind of fill things in from my own mind. And the only lyrics I know are "George Washington Bridge," so I repeat them over and over. But I did NOT make the song up!
At lunch I went into the gym/auditorium where the kids eat lunch, and I played "knock out" with them! I don't think they expected me to have any kind of athletic ability. Thus, the little basketball skill I have was a big deal to them. I felt almost as cool as Chad! But not quite.
Yesterday I started "The Hiding Place" with the junior high. I wanted to lead them to the realization that she had started her story with a happy party, instead of in the middle of some suspenseful moment, in order to show how the war was a horrible interruption to a normal life (I'm not sure if this is really the reason - it's hard to prove motive - but it is an interesting parallel anyway, so I wanted them to notice it). To show this, I said to them, "Imagine you have been through WWII, and have a really gripping and suspenseful story to tell. Pull out a piece of paper, and write the first three sentences of your story." As I had hoped, almost all of them started with Germans storming in or bombs falling. We went on to have a good discussion about how the war broke into people's lives. The cool thing was that four of the students were so excited about it that they finished their stories that night, and read them today in class! I was quite impressed at what they knew and what they were able to convey.
A happy thing: I have a student who repeatedly does very poorly on science tests, and I was worried about her. But I just gave a literature exam - all essay questions - and she aced it! It was just a matter of finding out her strengths! Yay!
Uncle Paul says hi.
In government class we were talking about the George Washington bridge (it was only vaguely related to our class), so of course I had to sing the "George Washington Bridge" song to them. I was bellowing it out and looking down the row of kids, and was pleasantly surprised to see the last one, a boy whom I would consider the hardest to connect with, laughing really hard! I could have been offended, of course. It's not as if he was laughing at the sheer talent of it all. But actually I was quite pleased - it was a connection. And then he kept insisting that I must have made it up myself. I protested that such was not the case. I just don't know it very well so I kind of fill things in from my own mind. And the only lyrics I know are "George Washington Bridge," so I repeat them over and over. But I did NOT make the song up!
At lunch I went into the gym/auditorium where the kids eat lunch, and I played "knock out" with them! I don't think they expected me to have any kind of athletic ability. Thus, the little basketball skill I have was a big deal to them. I felt almost as cool as Chad! But not quite.
Yesterday I started "The Hiding Place" with the junior high. I wanted to lead them to the realization that she had started her story with a happy party, instead of in the middle of some suspenseful moment, in order to show how the war was a horrible interruption to a normal life (I'm not sure if this is really the reason - it's hard to prove motive - but it is an interesting parallel anyway, so I wanted them to notice it). To show this, I said to them, "Imagine you have been through WWII, and have a really gripping and suspenseful story to tell. Pull out a piece of paper, and write the first three sentences of your story." As I had hoped, almost all of them started with Germans storming in or bombs falling. We went on to have a good discussion about how the war broke into people's lives. The cool thing was that four of the students were so excited about it that they finished their stories that night, and read them today in class! I was quite impressed at what they knew and what they were able to convey.
A happy thing: I have a student who repeatedly does very poorly on science tests, and I was worried about her. But I just gave a literature exam - all essay questions - and she aced it! It was just a matter of finding out her strengths! Yay!
Uncle Paul says hi.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
In the Zone
Today I was leaving school, and took the shortcut through the auditorium/gym. There I encountered three young boys who were brandishing hula hoops. I smiled at them and stuck to the edges of the room while I exited. Half way through the room one of the boys cautioned: "Watch out! You're in an empire war zone." I don't think empire was the word he used, but alas I forget the real one. In any case, it was reminiscent of Star Wars, and whether the connection was in my head alone or a legitimate one I do not know. I thought it completely charming, whatever it was, and continued merrily on my way.
Once outside, however, I discovered more truth than fiction in the idea of some kind of danger zone. I was driving up over the Newport Bridge (yay!) and noting how unusually green the water was, when I was suddenly without control. My car was going right, and I was not making it do so! And then I realized it was the wind! I slowed right down, and crept the rest of the way, still incredulous at the force of the gusts.
The water showed it, too, by being choppier than I've seen it before. It was so choppy, in fact, that I stopped to take pictures. I tried to open the door, and realized I had accidentally locked it on myself. So I hit the unlock lever and nothing happened. The door wasn't locked - it was the force of the wind against my door that made me unable to open it without an unusual amount of force!
Ah the joys of remnant hurricanes/nor'easters.
Now, though, I am happily ensconced on the couch, ready to do lesson plans, and reveling in chocolate and beautiful music (um, by the way Craig, we have your John Rutter CDs. Heh heh heh, thanks!). Thank the Lord for a warm, dry, comfortable house!
Once outside, however, I discovered more truth than fiction in the idea of some kind of danger zone. I was driving up over the Newport Bridge (yay!) and noting how unusually green the water was, when I was suddenly without control. My car was going right, and I was not making it do so! And then I realized it was the wind! I slowed right down, and crept the rest of the way, still incredulous at the force of the gusts.
The water showed it, too, by being choppier than I've seen it before. It was so choppy, in fact, that I stopped to take pictures. I tried to open the door, and realized I had accidentally locked it on myself. So I hit the unlock lever and nothing happened. The door wasn't locked - it was the force of the wind against my door that made me unable to open it without an unusual amount of force!
Ah the joys of remnant hurricanes/nor'easters.
Now, though, I am happily ensconced on the couch, ready to do lesson plans, and reveling in chocolate and beautiful music (um, by the way Craig, we have your John Rutter CDs. Heh heh heh, thanks!). Thank the Lord for a warm, dry, comfortable house!
Sunday, October 23, 2005
The Phone of Power
At last I have officially entered the 21st century. I have a real cell phone, with a real plan, and real ring-tone options. I have arrived!
Nate, bless his heart, helped me for about an HOUR as we went through the process of finding the right phone and the right plan. He found me a sweet one that was on sale, and we snapped it up. I would feel quite remorseful at his working for so long on my behalf, with no benefit to himself, except that he mentioned that he enjoyed spending other people's money. So I guess I only need to feel a little bit remorseful. In any case, I am certainly grateful.
When the phone arrived in the mail the next week, Nate came up and we spent about half an hour or so just checking out all the possibilities. And what possibilities! It takes pictures! And 15 second videos! And you can assign pictures to people in your phone book, so that when they call their picture comes up on the screen!
Katie, I assigned you a scene from the shooting of "Sahara." :) And Lisa N, you have a lizard picture! Hee hee hee. I had so much fun.
I spend pretty much every waking moment with the phone in hand or nearby in case there is an opportune moment in which to play and figure things out. Aunt Laura wondered if I slept with it in my hands, but I can assure you such is not the case. It stayed alllll the way down at the foot of my bed.
So far I still get incredibly excited whenever it rings, so if anyone wants to make my day, you know how! Of course, not being an old hand at cell phone usage I might do something like forget I left it on vibrate (sorry Fritha, you with the Florida sunset picture next to your name!) or not know what that weird beeping noise is when I'm using it and thus miss a call waiting. (And now that I've figured out the weird beeping noise I still don't know how to pick up a call waiting without losing the first person.) But otherwise I should be able to get your call. And if not, I still get incredibly excited whenever I have a voicemail! So go ahead, call like crazy!
Nate, bless his heart, helped me for about an HOUR as we went through the process of finding the right phone and the right plan. He found me a sweet one that was on sale, and we snapped it up. I would feel quite remorseful at his working for so long on my behalf, with no benefit to himself, except that he mentioned that he enjoyed spending other people's money. So I guess I only need to feel a little bit remorseful. In any case, I am certainly grateful.
When the phone arrived in the mail the next week, Nate came up and we spent about half an hour or so just checking out all the possibilities. And what possibilities! It takes pictures! And 15 second videos! And you can assign pictures to people in your phone book, so that when they call their picture comes up on the screen!
Katie, I assigned you a scene from the shooting of "Sahara." :) And Lisa N, you have a lizard picture! Hee hee hee. I had so much fun.
I spend pretty much every waking moment with the phone in hand or nearby in case there is an opportune moment in which to play and figure things out. Aunt Laura wondered if I slept with it in my hands, but I can assure you such is not the case. It stayed alllll the way down at the foot of my bed.
So far I still get incredibly excited whenever it rings, so if anyone wants to make my day, you know how! Of course, not being an old hand at cell phone usage I might do something like forget I left it on vibrate (sorry Fritha, you with the Florida sunset picture next to your name!) or not know what that weird beeping noise is when I'm using it and thus miss a call waiting. (And now that I've figured out the weird beeping noise I still don't know how to pick up a call waiting without losing the first person.) But otherwise I should be able to get your call. And if not, I still get incredibly excited whenever I have a voicemail! So go ahead, call like crazy!
Friday, October 21, 2005
Some Happy Things
*This morning I had a cinnamon stick from Dunkin Donuts! I was so sad when they were discontinued - and so elated that they've been brought back.
*Today a mother came in and said "I don't know what you do, but my kids keep talking about you!" (I'm appropriating this into my happy things list, in the assumption that the talking is positive.)
*I think my 7th and 8th graders did really well on their Lit tests today, even though the test was an essay test.
*I had opportunity to go into a tirade against Hollywood today in class - something I always find enjoyable.
*I had so much fun putting pictures with each name in the phone book in my NEW CELL PHONE (entire post devoted to new cell phone to follow, no doubt)!
*I opened the fridge and saw grapes!
*The guy at the video store remembered "Brown" without my having to tell him.
*I have been enjoying the incredible stress-free-ness and rest of a Sabbath spent with friends.
*And I got calls from Lindsay, Gretchen, and Fritha today!
Whew, what a day...
*Today a mother came in and said "I don't know what you do, but my kids keep talking about you!" (I'm appropriating this into my happy things list, in the assumption that the talking is positive.)
*I think my 7th and 8th graders did really well on their Lit tests today, even though the test was an essay test.
*I had opportunity to go into a tirade against Hollywood today in class - something I always find enjoyable.
*I had so much fun putting pictures with each name in the phone book in my NEW CELL PHONE (entire post devoted to new cell phone to follow, no doubt)!
*I opened the fridge and saw grapes!
*The guy at the video store remembered "Brown" without my having to tell him.
*I have been enjoying the incredible stress-free-ness and rest of a Sabbath spent with friends.
*And I got calls from Lindsay, Gretchen, and Fritha today!
Whew, what a day...
Changes...
Gasp! It has happened to me! I have become the teacher who gets the "new student!" I've never thought about the whole new student concept from a teacher's perspective before. I've thought of the class, and I've thought of the student. But the teacher?
Yesterday I got the teacher's angle. The new student is one who'd been at the school before. I knew this because we prayed for him a few weeks ago. We prayed for him because he was missing for several days. It turns out he'd run away from home.
So here I am in the teacher's lounge (me? in the teacher's lounge? It's still hard to believe sometimes) hearing the headmaster say he was coming to our school. And the teacher next to me lets out this heart-felt "Ohhh nooooooo," in a long and plaintive kind of way.
GREAT!
But the headmaster told us that there had been a significant change of heart - one that had been verified by multiple sources. And said headmaster is very determined that no undermining influence get into the student body, so I knew he'd taken the process seriously.
Today the new kid showed up. And he was as sweet as can be - full of manners and a helpful and willing attitude. Hurrah! He has somebody's eyes, but I can't quite figure out whose. I'll try to remember to keep you posted.
In the first class I made him laugh (a sure sign of compatibility in the classroom) in that perfect progression: the look of surprise, then disbelief, followed by laughter that causes the head to go right down on the desk. Yes! I had him.
So my first "new student" experience has been a positive one. Thank the Lord!
Yesterday I got the teacher's angle. The new student is one who'd been at the school before. I knew this because we prayed for him a few weeks ago. We prayed for him because he was missing for several days. It turns out he'd run away from home.
So here I am in the teacher's lounge (me? in the teacher's lounge? It's still hard to believe sometimes) hearing the headmaster say he was coming to our school. And the teacher next to me lets out this heart-felt "Ohhh nooooooo," in a long and plaintive kind of way.
GREAT!
But the headmaster told us that there had been a significant change of heart - one that had been verified by multiple sources. And said headmaster is very determined that no undermining influence get into the student body, so I knew he'd taken the process seriously.
Today the new kid showed up. And he was as sweet as can be - full of manners and a helpful and willing attitude. Hurrah! He has somebody's eyes, but I can't quite figure out whose. I'll try to remember to keep you posted.
In the first class I made him laugh (a sure sign of compatibility in the classroom) in that perfect progression: the look of surprise, then disbelief, followed by laughter that causes the head to go right down on the desk. Yes! I had him.
So my first "new student" experience has been a positive one. Thank the Lord!
Monday, October 17, 2005
Strange Happenings
I woke up yesterday and stared curiously at the odd glowing of my blinds. Then it dawned on me. Sun! I'd forgotten (in a little over a week, which shows the amazing powers of my short term memory) what the sun looks like when it shines in the window. I was happy to be reminded.
Today the mother of one of my students came in - she is definitely my favorite of all of the parents I've met - and chatted for awhile. She began asking questions about my church, and whether it was Baptist of Pentecostal. I said we sang hymns and rarely raised our hands - although the occasion branch waving was not unheard of. It soon came out that her daughter had said to her, "Mom, something's going on with Miss Murray. You need to talk to her." I stood there in fear and trepidation. What in the world was going to come next?! What had I done? And then more of the story came out.
The "something's going on with Miss Murray" was, fortunately, a good thing The school I'm at is very traditional, and doesn't do the Pentecostal thing. But this particular family is Pentecostal. Apparently I had said something in class which my student interpreted as "God spoke to me and said..." This had caught my student's attention, since it was something she believed in, but knew that the school in general didn't endorse. Not only that, but my student said it also caught a fellow teacher's attention - evidently his head suddenly popped up from his studies.
Ay ay ay. I have no idea what I said. I know I didn't say "God spoke to me," because I've never had that happen to me. But I must have said something close (God showed me? God indicated to me?) that both the student and teacher took to be the same. And now I'm beginning to wonder if the headmaster's impassioned sermonette (during prayer time) about the canon being closed, and people not hearing God's voice anymore, was directed at me!
Hooo boy. Have I plunged myself into deep water? I haven't heard anything from the headmaster yet (except when he said they were glad to have me there!), so I'm guessing it's not going to be a big deal.
It's such a tricky thing to walk the denominational line! I'm not sure which subjects are taboo and which are talk-about-them-or-be-considered-a-pagan. Ah well. If I get fired, I'm sure you'll hear about it.
Today the mother of one of my students came in - she is definitely my favorite of all of the parents I've met - and chatted for awhile. She began asking questions about my church, and whether it was Baptist of Pentecostal. I said we sang hymns and rarely raised our hands - although the occasion branch waving was not unheard of. It soon came out that her daughter had said to her, "Mom, something's going on with Miss Murray. You need to talk to her." I stood there in fear and trepidation. What in the world was going to come next?! What had I done? And then more of the story came out.
The "something's going on with Miss Murray" was, fortunately, a good thing The school I'm at is very traditional, and doesn't do the Pentecostal thing. But this particular family is Pentecostal. Apparently I had said something in class which my student interpreted as "God spoke to me and said..." This had caught my student's attention, since it was something she believed in, but knew that the school in general didn't endorse. Not only that, but my student said it also caught a fellow teacher's attention - evidently his head suddenly popped up from his studies.
Ay ay ay. I have no idea what I said. I know I didn't say "God spoke to me," because I've never had that happen to me. But I must have said something close (God showed me? God indicated to me?) that both the student and teacher took to be the same. And now I'm beginning to wonder if the headmaster's impassioned sermonette (during prayer time) about the canon being closed, and people not hearing God's voice anymore, was directed at me!
Hooo boy. Have I plunged myself into deep water? I haven't heard anything from the headmaster yet (except when he said they were glad to have me there!), so I'm guessing it's not going to be a big deal.
It's such a tricky thing to walk the denominational line! I'm not sure which subjects are taboo and which are talk-about-them-or-be-considered-a-pagan. Ah well. If I get fired, I'm sure you'll hear about it.
Friday, October 14, 2005
Photo Fetish
Whenever I do something especially neurotic Melissa laughingly threatens to blog about it. With this particular neurosis I'm going to beat her to the punch by telling on myself.
I take pictures of everything. And I'm not even exaggerating that much. I took a picture of presents I wrapped. And then there was the piece of paper I decorated, and the food I made, and the bowl of ice cream... Actually, that last one was a joint effort with Kimberly. But still.
My latest subject has been my chalkboard. Yes, chalkboard. But how can I help it, when my kids draw such charming things with colored chalk?! I simply can't erase them, condemning them to non-existence forever. So I now have at least 6 pictures, if not more, of things my kids wrote on the board.
Incidentally, I think colored chalk is in the genes somewhere. I remember Dad being enamored of colored chalk when I was little, and now I am amazed at how much pleasure I derive from a well chalked-up board.
Back to the photography - this deep desire to capture the fleeting is thwarted on an almost daily basis. Every afternoon I get to drive over the Newport Bridge, and every afternoon I am treated to the incredible view from that locale. It is now firmly entrenched in the "one of my favorite places on earth" list in my mind. It is repeatedly stunning in totally new ways. And there's that one little section that you know is the opening to the ocean, which goes on forever. And the cloud formations there! Wow. And yet I am constantly reminded that there is no break-down lane on the bridge. There is no way I can stop to take a picture.
But perhaps it is just as well. A picture couldn't do justice to that view. So instead of whipping out the ol' camera, I drink it in every day, knowing there will be another such view the next day. Then I try to think deep thoughts about why the ocean affects me the way it does. Then I quickly swerve back out of the incoming traffic into which I have drifted while thinking deep thoughts and absorbing beautiful sights.
And hey, if anyone wants to see a chalkboard picture, stay tuned. I'm hoping to post one sometime in the future, after I get this role of film developed.
I take pictures of everything. And I'm not even exaggerating that much. I took a picture of presents I wrapped. And then there was the piece of paper I decorated, and the food I made, and the bowl of ice cream... Actually, that last one was a joint effort with Kimberly. But still.
My latest subject has been my chalkboard. Yes, chalkboard. But how can I help it, when my kids draw such charming things with colored chalk?! I simply can't erase them, condemning them to non-existence forever. So I now have at least 6 pictures, if not more, of things my kids wrote on the board.
Incidentally, I think colored chalk is in the genes somewhere. I remember Dad being enamored of colored chalk when I was little, and now I am amazed at how much pleasure I derive from a well chalked-up board.
Back to the photography - this deep desire to capture the fleeting is thwarted on an almost daily basis. Every afternoon I get to drive over the Newport Bridge, and every afternoon I am treated to the incredible view from that locale. It is now firmly entrenched in the "one of my favorite places on earth" list in my mind. It is repeatedly stunning in totally new ways. And there's that one little section that you know is the opening to the ocean, which goes on forever. And the cloud formations there! Wow. And yet I am constantly reminded that there is no break-down lane on the bridge. There is no way I can stop to take a picture.
But perhaps it is just as well. A picture couldn't do justice to that view. So instead of whipping out the ol' camera, I drink it in every day, knowing there will be another such view the next day. Then I try to think deep thoughts about why the ocean affects me the way it does. Then I quickly swerve back out of the incoming traffic into which I have drifted while thinking deep thoughts and absorbing beautiful sights.
And hey, if anyone wants to see a chalkboard picture, stay tuned. I'm hoping to post one sometime in the future, after I get this role of film developed.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Classical Lit Exam #1
Just in case any of you are getting the idea that my teaching style is all play and no work, here is the exam I'm giving my high school students tomorrow (and if any of you ARE my high school students, stop reading right now!):
PART ONE: IDs (1 strong paragraph each)
Choose 5 of the following themes about which to write. Discuss each theme’s importance in Greek Literature, and give two examples of the theme’s presence in our book [Edith Hamilton's Mythology].
-Fate
-Man’s Relationship to the gods
-Self-Sacrifice
-Arete
-Hospitality
-Leadership
-Justice
-Hubris
PART TWO: ESSAY (4-5 strong paragraphs)
Genesis tells us that God created man in His own image. However, the ancient Greeks created the gods in their image, so to speak. They invented the gods based on their own understanding. How is this shown in Greek depictions of the gods’ power, authority, and relationships to man and to each other? How does this affect the way the Greeks think about their gods? In other words, what are the ramifications (or consequences) of creating gods in man’s image instead of the other way around?
And there you have it, my high schoolers' exam. I got the idea for the essay question from Amy Beth - I believe she came up with that idea of the Greeks creating the gods in their image. Brilliant, eh? Ah, she's a smart cookie, that Amy.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
When Life Gives You Lymes...
...make Key Lyme Pie. Thanks for your clever advice, Craig. It was too good to pass up as a blog title, so I stole it. Yes, dear readers, I have Lyme Disease. At least I'd better, since I'm taking antibiotics for it. Oh the places I've been in the past week... I woke up Tuesday feeling Rather Odd, and upon finding a thermometer, I discovered I wasn't faking it! I had a temperature of over 100 -- an automatic stay-home-from-school-free pass! Woo! So, a nice, happy little fever, right? Well, no. It came and went, but it got as high as 104.4 (impressive, eh?), at which point my eyeballs felt like the fiery furnace, post Nebuchadnezzar's rage. Everything ached... for days. What was going on? Who gets random fevers suddenly? Evidently people with Lyme Disease do, but I didn't know at that point that I had it. So... I drank Many Liquids (I hope I learn to enjoy orange juice again) and watched tv for hour upon maddening hour, since I couldn't really do much else (such as move or think). The problem is, NOTHING is on during the day, except soap operas, Martha Stewart, and kids' shows. I did watch Mr. Rogers at one point, and was filled with happy memories from that golden era of children's programming. In this episode, I learned that real giants (such as the kind Daniel the Tiger was afraid he saw) are not real; they're just pretend. The objects of such fears are likely to turn out to be kind-hearted singing and dancing schoolteachers. So think of the lessons I would have missed had I not been sick... Andrea would still terrify me! Thank you, Land of Make-Believe!
ANYWAY, yes. I fulfilled my tv watching quota for the next 14.7 years. And I went to the doctor at one point, too. He asked, based on my address, if I was related to Grandpa (only he didn't call him that). Said to tell him he said hi. Good old Rhode Island. Of course, my fever was gone when I saw him (probably shivered it away during the 45 minutes I sat in the waiting room...), only to soar back to 103 that night. At the height of my malaise, my head and neck were so stiff and sore I could hardly move them. And my head felt like it was covered in bruises -- sore to the touch rather than muscle ache -- and my forehead felt numb. Isn't that weird? I think it's weird. Maybe the numbness has something to do with the large bowl of ice-water (emphasis on ice) that Andrea rigged up to allow me to remoisten my washcloth. Actually, I was just used to the past tense, but my head still kind of feels bruised and such. I'm not out of the woods yet. Wow, what an ironic statement, since it was the WOODS that got me into this mess in the first place! Stupid ticks on stupid deer. I probably got it while drawing in fields for hours. And now I look forward to an Everest of work for the same class! I'm not too panicky, though. It'll get done; it always does somehow... And if not, it's not the end of the world (if only it were that easy!).
So, now you are informed! I would appreciate continued prayers for healing; the antibiotics seem to be doing their thing, but I need to get a lot of strength back to do what needs to be done. And if anyone wants to volunteer to make me that Key Lyme pie, that would probably help things, too.
ANYWAY, yes. I fulfilled my tv watching quota for the next 14.7 years. And I went to the doctor at one point, too. He asked, based on my address, if I was related to Grandpa (only he didn't call him that). Said to tell him he said hi. Good old Rhode Island. Of course, my fever was gone when I saw him (probably shivered it away during the 45 minutes I sat in the waiting room...), only to soar back to 103 that night. At the height of my malaise, my head and neck were so stiff and sore I could hardly move them. And my head felt like it was covered in bruises -- sore to the touch rather than muscle ache -- and my forehead felt numb. Isn't that weird? I think it's weird. Maybe the numbness has something to do with the large bowl of ice-water (emphasis on ice) that Andrea rigged up to allow me to remoisten my washcloth. Actually, I was just used to the past tense, but my head still kind of feels bruised and such. I'm not out of the woods yet. Wow, what an ironic statement, since it was the WOODS that got me into this mess in the first place! Stupid ticks on stupid deer. I probably got it while drawing in fields for hours. And now I look forward to an Everest of work for the same class! I'm not too panicky, though. It'll get done; it always does somehow... And if not, it's not the end of the world (if only it were that easy!).
So, now you are informed! I would appreciate continued prayers for healing; the antibiotics seem to be doing their thing, but I need to get a lot of strength back to do what needs to be done. And if anyone wants to volunteer to make me that Key Lyme pie, that would probably help things, too.
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Great Moments in Literature
I was just chatting with Dad and Mom on the phone, and remembered two excellent Literature classes which I'd forgotten to report in blogger-land.
The first was with my 7th and 8th grade class. We had just read about Milo's discovery of the orchestra that plays the sunrise, the music of which provides the world with all of its color. So to illustrate this idea, I brought in three music samples and crayons. As I played each one I had them select appropriate colors for the mood of the music, and color on a piece of paper. They loved it! The first piece was a very mellow, renaissance (?) piece. I chose grays and dark blues. The next was a Baroque trumpet piece - very upbeat. I chose yellow and orange and red. And THEN came Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto #1. You should have seen their reactions! I chose bold colors, with streaks of gold. But some of them were reacting to the crashiness of the music by grabbing huge clumps of crayons and scribbling at will! It was so much fun:) We then went around the room and explained why we'd chosen the colors we'd chosen. I'd planned on the activity taking about 10 minutes, and it ended up taking up the entire period (45 minutes), but it was well worth it. I don't think they'll forget that any time soon!
The second great literature moment was with my 10th and 11th graders in our discussion of Greek Tragedy. Ahhhh I love it. We discussed such incredibly deep themes as "redemption through suffering" and "catharsis" and "order." And all of this was enhanced by the fact that I got to write those quoted terms on the board with colored chalk (thanks, Dad, for instilling in me a love for colored chalk!). And I think they were really getting it. The more I get to know the stories of my high schoolers, the more I'm realizing that they have known far more suffering than I did at their age. We talked about some deep issues, and included references to what the Bible says about suffering. It was a rich time. Who wouldn't want to teach literature?!
So ya, I still love being a teacher - especially being a Lit teacher.
The first was with my 7th and 8th grade class. We had just read about Milo's discovery of the orchestra that plays the sunrise, the music of which provides the world with all of its color. So to illustrate this idea, I brought in three music samples and crayons. As I played each one I had them select appropriate colors for the mood of the music, and color on a piece of paper. They loved it! The first piece was a very mellow, renaissance (?) piece. I chose grays and dark blues. The next was a Baroque trumpet piece - very upbeat. I chose yellow and orange and red. And THEN came Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto #1. You should have seen their reactions! I chose bold colors, with streaks of gold. But some of them were reacting to the crashiness of the music by grabbing huge clumps of crayons and scribbling at will! It was so much fun:) We then went around the room and explained why we'd chosen the colors we'd chosen. I'd planned on the activity taking about 10 minutes, and it ended up taking up the entire period (45 minutes), but it was well worth it. I don't think they'll forget that any time soon!
The second great literature moment was with my 10th and 11th graders in our discussion of Greek Tragedy. Ahhhh I love it. We discussed such incredibly deep themes as "redemption through suffering" and "catharsis" and "order." And all of this was enhanced by the fact that I got to write those quoted terms on the board with colored chalk (thanks, Dad, for instilling in me a love for colored chalk!). And I think they were really getting it. The more I get to know the stories of my high schoolers, the more I'm realizing that they have known far more suffering than I did at their age. We talked about some deep issues, and included references to what the Bible says about suffering. It was a rich time. Who wouldn't want to teach literature?!
So ya, I still love being a teacher - especially being a Lit teacher.
Saturday, October 08, 2005
A Blustery Day
I got up this morning and was so happy it was raining! This was kind of a strange reaction. But I was feeling so incredibly cozy being in this nice warm comfortable house, without having to step foot outside unless I wanted to. I did end up making two trips to the car today, but that was it!
Inside, where it was warm and dry and safe (not that it was particularly unsafe outside) I spent a most enjoyable day with Melissa, reading, chatting, and watching a movie. It was quiet and relaxed and all that a Sabbath should be.
And all of this was enhanced by the windchimes on the porch (the inspiration for this post). The windows were open, and I could hear them all day, along with the rain on the roof and the wind in the trees. And what a sound they made!
These are special windchimes. My big sister and her family gave them to me for my graduation from PC. She wanted to buy me windchimes, because every time I leave her house I ring the ones she has on her porch. And so she and I went to Keene together to choose some. The whole day was a great one, but those windchimes were the crowning touch. They were made by a man whose goal in making them was to create the most beautiful windchimes in the world. I'm pretty sure he succeeded. My particular ones are called "Gregorian Chimes in A" or something like that. They are so melodious and pure sounding. I've never heard windchimes like them! And all day long they were ringing, creating a beautiful background to the rest and fellowship that the day had.
So next time anyone is in RI, make sure to stop and listen to my windchimes!
Inside, where it was warm and dry and safe (not that it was particularly unsafe outside) I spent a most enjoyable day with Melissa, reading, chatting, and watching a movie. It was quiet and relaxed and all that a Sabbath should be.
And all of this was enhanced by the windchimes on the porch (the inspiration for this post). The windows were open, and I could hear them all day, along with the rain on the roof and the wind in the trees. And what a sound they made!
These are special windchimes. My big sister and her family gave them to me for my graduation from PC. She wanted to buy me windchimes, because every time I leave her house I ring the ones she has on her porch. And so she and I went to Keene together to choose some. The whole day was a great one, but those windchimes were the crowning touch. They were made by a man whose goal in making them was to create the most beautiful windchimes in the world. I'm pretty sure he succeeded. My particular ones are called "Gregorian Chimes in A" or something like that. They are so melodious and pure sounding. I've never heard windchimes like them! And all day long they were ringing, creating a beautiful background to the rest and fellowship that the day had.
So next time anyone is in RI, make sure to stop and listen to my windchimes!
Friday, October 07, 2005
Teachers' Workshop
I have now discovered what it's like to be on the other side of "teachers' workshop" days. Ah the joy of them as a child. And even though they now mean something different than a day off, they're still pretty cool. I got to sleep in until 7 this morning!
As a whole the day fluctuated between the excitement of a new, very practical strategy to implement, and the incredible boredom of that mid-afternoon, wicked tired, I-can't-take-any-more-of-this feeling. During the former I was jotting down notes. During the latter I was torn between letting out a Howard Dean-esque yell and putting my head down on my desk and bursting into tears. But the day ended, and I got home early. So all in all, it was a good experience.
I missed my kids though. I kept thinking of things I wanted to tell them or discuss with them. And then I remembered they wouldn't be there. Ah well, Tuesday is coming (no school Monday! Thanks Columbus!).
Good news: ALL of my kids got A's on their Government tests!!! This was especially good since NONE of them got A's the last time around. I must admit, I made their way a bit easier this time. My hints tend to get a little obvious sometimes. But their essays showed some real genuine improvement, which was very heartening.
And now it is the Sabbath, and a long weekend, and I have books and movies from the library. Yay!
As a whole the day fluctuated between the excitement of a new, very practical strategy to implement, and the incredible boredom of that mid-afternoon, wicked tired, I-can't-take-any-more-of-this feeling. During the former I was jotting down notes. During the latter I was torn between letting out a Howard Dean-esque yell and putting my head down on my desk and bursting into tears. But the day ended, and I got home early. So all in all, it was a good experience.
I missed my kids though. I kept thinking of things I wanted to tell them or discuss with them. And then I remembered they wouldn't be there. Ah well, Tuesday is coming (no school Monday! Thanks Columbus!).
Good news: ALL of my kids got A's on their Government tests!!! This was especially good since NONE of them got A's the last time around. I must admit, I made their way a bit easier this time. My hints tend to get a little obvious sometimes. But their essays showed some real genuine improvement, which was very heartening.
And now it is the Sabbath, and a long weekend, and I have books and movies from the library. Yay!
Monday, October 03, 2005
Thy spirit ere our fatal loss
Did ever rise from high to higher;
As mounts the heavenward altar-fire,
As flies the lighter thro’ the gross.
But thou art turn’d to something strange.
And I have lost the links that bound
Thy changes; here upon the ground,
No more partaker of thy change.
Deep folly! yet that this could be,–
That I could wing my will with might
To leap the grades of life and light,
And flash at once, my friend, to thee.
Tennyson, In Memoriam XLI
Did ever rise from high to higher;
As mounts the heavenward altar-fire,
As flies the lighter thro’ the gross.
But thou art turn’d to something strange.
And I have lost the links that bound
Thy changes; here upon the ground,
No more partaker of thy change.
Deep folly! yet that this could be,–
That I could wing my will with might
To leap the grades of life and light,
And flash at once, my friend, to thee.
Tennyson, In Memoriam XLI
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