Look at this beauty! The feeders at my parents house were a feeding frenzy!

Amazing Peace

This Poem was read December 1, 2005 at the lighting of the National Christmas Tree at the White House.

Amazing Peace A Christmas Poem
by Maya Angelou

Thunder rumbles in the mountain passes
And lighting rattles the eaves of our houses.
Floodwaters await in our avenues.

Snow falls upon snow, falls upon snow to
avalanche
Over unprotected villages.
The sky slips low and gray and threatening.

We question ourselves. What have we done to
so affront nature?
We interrogate and worry God.
Are you there? Are you there, really?
Does the covenant you made with us still hold?

Into this climate of fear and apprehension,
Christmas enters,
Streaming lights of joy, ringing bells of hop
And singing carols of forgiveness high up in the
bright air.
The world is encouraged to come away from
rancor
Come the way of friendship.

It is the Glad Season.
Thunder ebbs to silence and lightning sleeps
quietly in the corner.
Floodwaters recede into memory.
Snow becomes a yielding cushion to aid us
As we make our way to higher ground.

Hope is born again in the faces of children.
It rides on the shoulders of our aged as they
walk into their sunsets.
Hope spreads around the earth, brightening
all thing,
Even hate, which crouches breeding in
dark corners.

In our joy, we think we hear a whisper.
At first it is too soft. Then only half heard.
We listen carefully as it gathers strength.
We hear a sweetness.
The word is Peace.
It is loud now.
Louder than the explosion of bombs.

We tremble at the sound. We ar thrilled by
its presence.
It is what we have hungered for.
Not just the absence of war. But true Peace.
A harmony of spirit, a comfort of courtesies.
Security for our beloveds and their beloveds.

We clap hands and welcome the Peace of
Christmas.
We beckon the good season to wait awhile
with us.
We, Baptist and Buddhist, Methodist and
Muslim, say come.
Peace.
Come and fill us an our world with your majesty.
We, the Jew and the Jainist, the Catholic and
the Confucian,
Implore you to stay awhile with us
So we may learn by your shimmering light
How to look beyond complexion and see
community.

It is Christmas time, a halting of hate time.

On this platform of peace, we can create a language
To translate ourselves to ourselves and to
each other.

At this Holy Instant, we celebrate the Birth of
Jesus Christ
Into the great religions of the world.
We jubilate the precious advent of trust.
We shout with glorious tongues the coming
of hope.
All the earth's tribes loosen their voices
To celebrate the promise of peace.

We, Angels and Mortals, Believers and
Nonbelievers,
Look heavenward and speak the word aloud.
Peace. We look at our world and speak the word aloud.
Peace. We look to each other, and then to ourselves,
And we say without shyness or apologiy or
hesitation:

Peace My Brother.
Peace My Sister.
Peace My Soul.

This is just sick....

I just don't get this at all.

"If You'd Like to Smell Like Burger King...."

Who are they trying to attract?

O Christmas Tree!

Yesterday I went to my parents house to help them pick out their Christmas Tree. This tradition of going to the tree farm and picking out the tree dates back before I can remember. It is a family tradition that I love. There is something about being outside, shivering with nose-numbing wind and arguing the most essential question: What makes the perfect Christmas tree? In my family, we like big, fat, round, huggable trees. We also like trees that don't bite you back. You know the ones. This usually leads us to the long needle, white pine. For years, this species has been our bread and butter. Last year, we decided to switch it up. I know! But we loved our tree last year, and the Douglas Fir holds its needles a little longer.

This year, it was just Dad and I, Mom was not feeling well, so we took the truck and headed out. Because my parents live closer to the "country" than the "city," it takes us about 10 minutes to get to the tree farm - Thomas Tree Farm in Manchester, MD. (Just up the road) Usually our trek lasts quite a while. We debate, look from all angles, assess the qualities of each tree that we spot. Every one gives their input. Dad is usually concerned the tree we pick is too tall. Mom is usually concerned it has holes through the middle. And I am usually worried about the general shape, and tallness of the tree (I don't want it too short, now do I?)

This year, Dad and I set out with our saw, and cart (to carry the tree back). We head to the far field - we know where we want to go, and are on a mission. We find the stand of Douglas Firs and while this is good, its not good enough. Then we spot a row of trees at the edge of the field. These trees look like last year's abandoned crop. And in the middle, with no other trees around, I spot the perfect shaped tree. We beeline it to the tree. Walk around it. Nope, no holes. Pretty full. No dead branches. Dad gets on the ground and checks the trunk - if it is crooked, it is a no-go. (We've been there before, and trying to straighten out a crooked tree is near impossible) This tree has a perfect trunk. We ponder. Look around. And decide. THIS is IT. Dad saws, I pull on the tree to help.

We got this tree home, put it up without incident, and last night we decorated it. It smelled so wonderful in the house. I LOVE that smell. To me, it signifies Christmas.

To top it off, it snowed yesterday evening! It was beautiful.

Below are some pictures. Enjoy! :-)

Being Crafty

Whew! Busy busy. I want to first share some of the projects I've been working on the past couple of months/weeks.

1. I made a smock for my Godson - for when he paints and does artwork. He just turned 4, and is a light in my life.

2. I made a scarf - a Christmas present for someone who may or may not read this blog, therefore the name has been withheld. :-)

3. Christmas cards. Last weekend, my best friend Jami and I got together for card-making and had a blast.

Below are some pictures. :-)

World AIDS Day 2008

I feel like I'm getting a little preachy, and I don't mean to. Forgive me.

Today was World AIDS Day - as is always commemorated on Dec. 1st. Having personal experience working to fight the HIV virus that causes AIDS, I just wanted to raise awareness for this devastating disease. Actually, Baltimore, MD has the second worst infection rate in the US, and 90% of new infections are in the African American community.

There are many organizations out there that help people with AIDS, and through school, I've worked with one in Baltimore, called Moveable Feast, which makes and packages meals to people that can't do it themselves -either they are too sick, or have treatments, whatever it may be. It is a wonderful organization. I encourage everyone (including myself) to find organizations, and do what you can to help. Thanks!

Thanksgiving

Well, it was a quiet and nice Thanksgiving with my parents. My sister was in Tennessee with her boyfriend, so it was just us. Dad fixed Mom and I blueberry pancakes for breakfast and Mom and I set to work preparing. We made this delicious apple pie while watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. We also made stuffing with dried cranberries, and prepared the turkey. Jennifer called and we also talked to other family members in New York. We got the turkey in the oven by 1pm and then fixed snacks - I made my delicious crab dip. We watched the movie WALL-E, which we agreed was a cross between the movie Short Circuit and an Inconvenient Truth. We ate a moist, tender, and scrumptous turkey (this guy was not pardoned!). It was a great day, full of Thanks and Giving.

On a similar but different note, I wanted to share an update about what is going on in the Democratic Republic of Congo. I get regular email updates about this catastrophe from Oxfam. Below is a video that was recently taken. Please go to oxfamamerica.org or this link to learn more. http://www.oxfamamerica.org/whatwedo/emergencies/congo

Capitol Steps

Last Sunday I went with my parents to a fundraiser for our local community activist group called "The Arc" that helps developmentally disabled people in our area. For the past couple of years, they bring the Capitol Steps from Washington DC. The Capitol Steps is a group of actor/musicians who mock Washington using humor, music and theatrics. They are hilarious! It was very fun, and I recommend seeing them if you have the chance!

oh brother! (said like Charlie Brown)

Well, it's that time of year again. The doldrums. But not in the sense that nothing is happening, rather in the fact that it is the lowest of the low pressure, with little wind, and very little hope of weather patterns that move things along, coming by any time soon.

Last Friday (a week ago) I seemed to develop an awful cold. I pushed through on Saturday because I took my mom out for her birthday to Gettysburg, PA where we lunched at the historic Farnsworth House Inn and then went to movies. It was a great day, just the two of us. On Sunday I thought I was going to die. :-) It was horrible. Needless to say, I took the day off of work on Monday. This led to my department chair cancelling the conference we had planned to go to on Wednesday because she didn't want me missing two of my classes in a row (I see my students every other day). I was really frustrated by this because I had been longing to hear the keynote speaker - Edward O. Wilson speak.
Watch CBS Videos Online

Anyway, the rest of the week was spent catching up, sleeping, or grading.

I must say too, that I am not the only one feeling the doldrums. My students are not exactly feeling the great optimism that is the beginning of the year. They have entered what is the adolescent girl "snotty mode" and sometimes (especially when not feeling well myself) I have very little patience. I pray for patience and the will to continue to see their faces everyday. Ah, the joy of teaching 16 year old children.

Currently on tap for the weekend, I have 48 lab reports (5 inches of paper) to read, evaluate and make comments about. Ah, Thanksgiving break couldn't come soon enough.

Canvassing in Pennsylvania

Yesterday I spent the day in Harrisburg Pennsylvania walking door to door in a Get Out The Vote effort for Barack Obama. I took two of my friends from work with me. None of us had ever done anything like that before, and it was awesome! We really felt like a part of something. We met some Obama supporters, some of which were just as excited as we were, and then we "met" some McCain supporters who treated us pretty badly actually. I got yelled at by a mother in front of her 12 year old daugher - "I'm so upset, I'm not voting at all!" - well, isn't that a great message to send.

In the end, we knocked on 204 doors, talked with 50 people, 40 of which were Obama supporters. There were Republican volunteers walking around too, the only way I knew was there were bags saying, "Vote Republican" on the door. My friend took them off the doors. :-) I didn't have courage to do that, but he said, "we're at war!"

After the long day, we drove back to Maryland feeling satisfied in doing something little to make a change.

By the way, last night I saw the movie, the Secret Life of Bees. I had read the book a long time ago, and that was probably a good thing, but I will say, that this was one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. You know I am a sentimental and cheesy person, but it was a very moving movie with lots of layers. I highly recommend it!

oooohhhh I am so excited!!!

The RED SOX won on Thursday night by coming back from the largest run deficit in 79 years in the postseason playoffs. Seventh inning rally and then comeback in the 9th made it official - there will be a Game 6 and the Tampa Bay Rays are not automatically headed to the World Series.

We (and yes, I mean We), have been scorched by this red hot, young, powerful Rays team and to be quite honest, after watching the 3 games we lost to the Rays, we deserved to lose. The Red Sox did not look like they belonged. They were playing horrible. We were stranding men on base, nobody was coming up clutch, and our pitching was just plain bad. We were walking the lead-off hitters, they were blowing us up with home runs and stealing bases.

But this kind of drama and entertainment, you can't find anywhere else. At 12:15 am on Thursday night, I was trying to hold it together, the suspense was killing me. Were we going to blow it in the last minute? All the hard work, preparation to get to that point, was riding on the line - talk about intense. When you have a season that lasts from April to October, every game DOES count. And this game was the most important. Now tonight's game is the most important, and if we win, the next will be just as much.

Can they do it? Can they come back AGAIN from a 3-2 series losing streak? Well, they did it in 2004 to break the curse of The Bambino; they did it last year, when they were down 3-0 against the Indians and took the next 4 games and then swept the Rockies in 4. It IS possible. Although, I have my doubts (like any Red Sox fan) that they will make it this year because of the injuries and players that can't play.....but does anyone remember the bloody sock!!?!?!?! We've dealt through injuries before, I am just not sure we have really seen a team as good as the Rays, even though I hate to admit it.

Tonight's the night. 8pm. Don't call, I won't pick up. I'll be watching MY Sox.

Happy days!

Yesterday I travelled to Mt. Vernon just south of DC to attend the wedding of a dear college friend. At the same time, I got to see all of my college friends, and as we all said, it was like a family reunion. Folks came from North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and DC.

Sometimes I am amazed at how these friendships have endured and remained strong through the years. We have known each other for 13 years. We have celebrated births, weddings and graduations; and we have supported and encouraged during losses and difficult news. I am so lucky to have such wonderful friends!

The wedding was beautiful. The ceremony was outside in the garden at the Mt. Vernon Unitarian Church. It was a sunny morning with birds chirping in the background. They had a string quartet playing, and as my friend walked down the aisle, all eyes were on her. She looked absolutely beautiful. Her bouquet had roses, orange calla lillies, berries and fall leaves. She looked so happy. They exchanged their vows - the promises, as we watched them make this lifetime committment to one another.

The day was autumn themed, with fall colors of brown, burgundy, and orange, and the food was scrumtuous! We had Virginia ham or chicken stuffed with apples and cornbread, steamed squash and zuccini, mashed sweet or regular potatos, cranberry and almond salad and bread.

The greatest part of the day was watching my two friends declare their love for each other and being able to share in their joy. They are off to Greece this morning, and I can't wait to see pictures of their trip!

Here is a link with some pictures of the location. I left my camera at work and couldn't take any pictures. I know!!!

Endangered Species Act

I'm not sure how many people know about this, it hasn't really gotten a lot of press and is sort of pushed under the rug, but the Endangered Species Act which for 35 years has protected some of America's most treasured resources - our national wildlife - is being changed. The change is that the people who now determine who is on the Endangered Species list - scientists and researchers - are losing this role to beaurocrats, and the ill-informed. This could have serious potential for reducing the biodiversity that makes this biosphere work.

To me, this is just another example of how the Bush administration's ignorant policies are having a lasting negative impact on our society and the scientific community.

If you want to read more info, check out this article on CNN.

If you want to do something, click here at the Monterey Bay Aquarium site.

Did you know?

Did you know - shift happens

This is a video that I first watched last year, but I thought it was still relevant, and I wanted to share it. I think it is important to think about globalization and a shifting economy particularly because of the recent US economic news and political scene. Watch it and tell me what you think!

Food for thought.

Seagull Junker Palin

This would be my name if I happened to belong to the Palin Family. Check out your name here.

Acceptance, tolerance and just plain judgement

Ok, so recently I have had a few conversations that have stuck with me, and not in a good way. I can't seem to get them out of my head. Essentially they were about politics and my disbelief in realizing that someone I know fairly well was so misinformed about the candidates - going so far as saying to me that she knows people who believe that Obama is the "antichrist." Her words. Wow. I mean, I kind of stared, in shock at such an utterly insane comment. She was serious. Then I just kept repeating, "that's insane, I can't believe someone would actually think that" over and over. I became a broken record (like I can, I know) and she said, "Heather, these are your peers who think that." My friend is my age and by peers, she meant her peers (and I think mine).

Ok, after having some time to chew on this, I have a few points.

First, I have a hard time even stating the obvious and even addressing the first comment. I doesn't even deserve a comment it is so ridiculous.

But the second, that the person who said this was my "peer" really bothers me. It assumes that she knows me well enough to know what "label" or "category" I place myself in and that she would think I am a "peer" with this crazy person is kind of insulting, I think.

While I think that ultimately we are on different ends of the spectrum politically, what I realized is just how intolerant I am of her view and the view of the conservative right, in general terms. I always thought of myself as opinionated, but willing to see other sides to issues and work out compromise in coming to an "agree to disagree" moment. I have family members and family friends who are conservative, pro-life bumper sticker Republicans. But I am finding it harder and harder to really give an inch in the conservative direction, and I find I have little patience for people who are so ill-informed and make irrational statements based on lies and propoganda. I just can't take it. I think I used to be able to separate the person from the political view much easier in the past. What I have come to understand, really, is that your politics really is in part based on your core beliefs about what you value and who you are. I am trying not to make this into a hallmark card, but I really do think this. Our perspectives and life experiences have shaped who we are and what we believe and I think this is a fundamental part of politics and why so many people are passionate about it. Because we care. And if you care, it means that it is important to you and what is important demonstrates in part, who you are and your identity. I think that is why I can't ignore/can't separate the person from the politics.

Don't get me wrong, I am trying not to place a value on this judgement. In other words, I don't think conservatives or Republicans are bad people, just that we have fundamentally different values that make up our core beliefs. This might mean that on some level there is an incompatibility and you might never get to the "agree to disagree" level.

In this case, I am ok with my judgement of this random no-name "peer." I think this person deserves my "judgement" just as much as I am probably getting it directed back at me through the universe. I'm not going to agree with this "peer." I'm ok with it. I don't have to understand everyone....this sounds like a senior convocation we heard today, and it probably had some influence on my rant.

What do you guys think? Should I accept all the people of the world? Should I be tolerant of varying viewpoints? Or is it ok to judge people based on their politics??

Well, it's late, and I'm sorry if this entry doesn't make any sense and I rambled on.

Signing off,
The Judgemental and Intolerant Liberal

Well, it's been exactly 1 month....

Since I posted an entry and I am feeling a bit guilty. August was a whirlwind. I had my summer camp, getting ready for school, and Joshua's baptism (I am his Godmother officially now!).

I just finished my first full week of school and I am super excited about the fresh start and new beginning. I always love the start of school. I love the school supplies (lets be honest, most people secretly do!), I love seeing my colleagues and catching up on summer events and activities, and I love seeing the kids. What I find most amazing are the students that I struggled with last year, are some of the first to come up to me and ask how my summer was and tell me it is good to see me. It is almost unreal and a little hard to grasp, but I take it in good faith and smile. It really is wonderful to see how the newly minted seniors have changed over the summer. They grow a little taller (I swear!) and there is definitely something in the way they carry themselves that says, "I am not the same girl I was two and a half months ago" that is a bit scary, but in a good way, I see their self confidence and assurance as signs they will be leaving us soon to move on to bigger and brighter things.

I have had a good week. This time last year, I felt like I knew I was going to have a difficult time with two of my four classes. This time, I am excited about all of them. I have some really great groups this year, and I feel very lucky.

I also have realized that I am so much happier doing this job. Parent's night was on Wednesday and I said to the parents, "before I came to Bryn Mawr I was in research, and I feel blessed to have both research and teaching experiences in my life, because I love them both. I am able to give my students a sense of the enthusiasm, energy and love I have for research, and that makes me happy."

It is important for me to remind myself that I love teaching. I mean, I know I do, but on the rough days/weeks, it is important for me to remember why I do it.

The picture is of a praying mantis eating a moth. Look how well it blends in! One of my students was doing her nature journal entry in class and was using it as a subject. I quick grabbed my camera!

Good friends, good times!

Last Wednesday I was so happy to get together with college friends and spend some time in DC. I met up with Kate in the morning and we went to Starbucks to catch up and stay cool. Even though it was 10am it was already a steamy summer day. We had a great time catching up, laughing and chatting. It was wonderful to renew those bonds that we shared so many years ago. We met up with Christina, Emanuel, Ubah and the girls and went to lunch at a restaurant on U street. Bronte was a charmer, Hywel was an adorable baby with no fussing and we talked and talked and talked. We had an appointment at 2:30 for a US Capitol Tour, so we headed off when our bellies were full.

Justin, Kate's husband met us at the Capitol and the tour was great because it was just the 8 of us. We learned a little history, saw some art, and got to sit in the House of Representatives Gallery. It was interesting because Congress was on it's August break, but the republicans were there pushing their energy bill - to no one. Literally. The only people there were interns and a few spectators like ourselves. No CSPAN. No cameras. Just congressmen/women talking to themselves with no one to debate or argue against them. So Ub and I took care of that in our own way and could help spewing rebuttals to almost everything they said. It was fun.
We left the Capitol and headed back to U street.

Our feet were hurting, the heat was getting to us, but we plodded through the sticky August haze and arrived at Saint X on 14th street. Katie met us there and we ate some delicious food. I mean delicious! We walked to Katies apartment and had a slice of spectacular peach pie (I want that recipe!!). Bronte entertained us with her percussion skills and we laughed, talked and talked some more.

All in all, it was a wonderful day and I am reminded again about how special every one of my friends is in my life - how important it is to maintain friendship throughout life - "Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other is gold." I am so blessed to have these wonderful people in my life.

Summer Days.....

I could get used to this teacher thing. Yes, I'm admitting it; for those of you that say teachers are slackers and they are lucky to get the summer off, I say to you, my friends, you are right. The summer is a wonderful thing. I have freedom to adhere to my own self-prescribed schedule; I am not dictated by grading, planning, student impromptu meetings, faculty discussions, or researching the latest teaching techniques. I love it. Can't help it. I am tired of fighting people who tell me I have it made, that I have such an easy time.


But I will say, that I deserve it. Yep, that's right. During the school year, I take work home with me. I don't have the luxury of leaving it at the door. I have a deadline every day. I am responsible for standing in front of real human beings (yeah, I know!) and answering to them. They wait expectantly for me to deliver. They await the "teacher" with the "plan," knowing that I will present the task, the content, the material, the lab, something. Of course, that means I have to have "something" to present! Teachers are some of the hardest working professional I know.


But God love the summers. It is The Respite. The proverbial charging of the batteries, and the much needed mental holiday. I will tell you, that without the summer, I couldn't do my job. It would be impossible for anyone - I callenge anyone - to maintain the level of intensity, concentration, and preparation it takes for 12 months. You would see many more teachers in the mental institutions if that were the case.


Sorry about this rant, but I just had to get it off my chest. I love the summer, not for the weather, but for the freedom.

On a different note:
Yesterday, I went with two friends to Annapolis, MD. It was my birthday present to both of them. It was like a little mini vacation. We had a picnic at scenic Quiet Waters Park, then walked along West St. admiring artisans work and jewelry. In the afternoon we had Afternoon Tea at Reynolds Tea Room in Church Circle, and then took a boat ride to St. Thomas Point Lighthouse.

Wow! I have neglected this blog!

Ok, so I am feeling guilty for completely ignoring this blog for SO! long.
But here is a recap of some things that have been going on.

I got back from the Klingenstein Institute and took my car for a second opinion - it died right before I had to drive to NJ and the garage told me it would cost $2,000 to replace all 4 oxygen sensors. So the day after I got back, it took it to the same place I was going to in Westminster for a second opinion. They fixed it for $100 and it has been fine since. Can you BELIEVE IT?!! I was pissed. I was so worried - should I spend this money fixing a 2000 with 90,000 miles? I can't afford a car payment yada yada yada. WHAT a rip off. Anyhoo, I am NOT going back to that first place if my life depends on it.

The following Monday (July 7th) my mom went in for her second knee replacement surgery. Everything went much more smoothly this time and she is about 2 weeks ahead of the last surgery in terms of recovery and ability to bend and do physical therapy. She was in the hospital until Thursday July 11th and I stayed at my parents helping out until Sat.

Saturday was Stephanie's Bridal Shower in Alexandria, VA. I got to see the crew - Ub, KT, Christina, Ramona, Stephanie of course and some other folks. I also got to meet Hywel for the first time, which was very exciting! She is so cute, and a lovely baby. Everyone seems to be doing well and as Ub would say, "a good time was had by all!" :-) I dropped KT off at her apartment and it was great to catch up with her and see her place.

The following week I was back and forth to my parents, helping my mom etc. and going into school to do some work. I met with my Director of Upper School to talk about the Klingenstein and our conversation was excellent! I feel like I really have an ally and support there - very reassuring.

On Sunday July 21, I went to a 311/Snoop Dogg Concert at Nissan Pavillion (where Ub works). I tell ya, it was interesting to see Snoop Dogg. He "sang" some classic songs - songs Christina and I would sing together - sipping our gin and juice - and he sang some classic derogatory, police-hating crap I am not a fan off. But it was interesting to say the least.
I bought these tickets to see 311 for Jami's birthday. They did not disappoint. It was an awesome concert and I can honestly say, it was one of the best I've been to. Jam and I are still gushing over lead singer Nick Hexum and his last song he did shirtless. Ah. :-)

This past week I took my mom to get her staples out on Tuesday. The doctor said she is doing fabulous! Yeah! Go mom! I also got to meet Mandy and Jeff's new baby boy, Sullivan, or Sully for short. He is adorable with a huge head of black hair! Mandy is doing much better after a complicated delivery and I was so happy to meet Sully.

Then on Thursday I took the 7+ hour train ride to Boston to see Paige, Jeremy and new addition, Elliot! So cute! He is 4 months old and a little bundle of joy. He is smiling and giggling and a great baby. Paige and Jeremy are doing well and managing their new life like pros. I came back last night from Beantown and am tired! It is amazing how tired you can get just sitting. huh.

Anyway, today I am headed to Jami's for a little more 311 stalking, tropical drink drinking and maybe a movie.

So sorry for not updating regularly. I will try to post some pictures. I hope everyone in blogland is going well!!!


K- Can't WAIT to see you and give you a big hug!

:-)

Klingenstein Summer Institute

So I'm in New Jersey working. Yes, working. In fact, working very hard. But loving every minute of it. I am in Lawrenceville, NJ, 5 miles from Princeton, 45 minutes from Philly, and an 1 and 1/2 hours from NYC. I am staying at The Lawrenceville School (http://www.lawrenceville.org/), an independent co-ed boarding school for 9-12 grade. It is a beautiful place, steeped in history and reminds me of our small alma mater in its size - meaning its BIG for a high school! It has green lawns speckled with clover and a library that is to be envied by anyone. Let's not even talk about the Science Building, I get choked up.

Anyway, I have been doing a lot of listening, reading, writing, reflecting, thinking, analyzing, planning and sharing. As someone told me today at dinner, it's kind of like "teacher camp." The cool part about it is we are all relatively new teachers (teaching 1-5 years) and we are mostly like-minded in that we aren't jaded, are optimistic about education, and are excited to take all this knowledge back to our schools.

We have two main groups, our curriculum group (Science for me) and a Diversity Group, made up of members of every curriculum group. I try each night to reflect on the days events because believe me, it all muddles together a bit. So here goes. (Sorry if it is so short, and not much reflection, usually there is, but my brain capacity is getting limited)

This morning I got up at 6:30 to get to breakfast by 7:15.
Breakfast from 7:15-8:00
Morning Meeting at 8:00
8:30-10:30 Lecture about Designing lessons. We talked about misconceptions in learning and watched a video calld "Minds of Our Own" (great video!)
10:30-11:00 Break
11:00-12:00 Curriculum Groups - we evaluated our comments by looking at praise and feedback from yesterday's discussion
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:00-3:00 Curriculum Groups - we learned about Inquiry based learning and its applications in our curriculum. We asked what it means to have Inquiry, How this looks in a classroom, what students look like that are doing inquiry and how we can assess what the student knows.
3:00-5:30 Finished my homework reading for tonight on Diversity and White Privilege
5:30-6:00 Checked my email
6:00-7:00 Dinner
7:00-8:30 Diversity Groups. We discussed the articles and talked about white privilege we see in our schools, in ourselves and how this relates to learning and educating all students. We asked whether we should sacrifice and if so, what because of this privilege afforded us. We talked about how to educate all of our students about the power structure in society and how we have to be able to talk and open to discuss our own place in this structure.
9:00 Called my parents
9:05-10:15 Read 3 articles for the Diversity session tomorrow on sexual orientation in schools
10:15-10:20 surfed the internet, began writin this blog
10:20-10:45 Talked to parents

Finishing this blog. Going to bed. It all starts again at 7:15 tomorrow.

Father's Day

Hi all,

Happy Father's Day! Today is a day to celebrate fathers everywhere and in every capacity. I have been thinking about fathers lately, I guess with the death of Tim Russert on Friday and the fact that several of my friends do not have fathers, or "traditional" fathers. It made me really appreciate my own dad.

I get emotional thinking about it because as I have grown up, I have come to realize how lucky I am to have the dad I have.

I love you, Dad.

The Moon

I took this picture of the moon tonight out my living room window! I thought it was cool! Unlike the temperatures! It is soooooo HOT! Thank goodness my Dad is coming tomorrow to put in my air conditioner - heat index is supposed to reach 110 F tomorrow! AH! Everybody stay cool.....

Well, it has been an interesting week. Wednesday I went to my parents because I had to get some grading done and I needed a place to actually be outside. I was missing some necessary Vitamin D and just needed to be in the "country." It was great! Instead of grading, I walked around all my mom's gardens, took note of how my clematis was doing, picked some peonies and took pictures of some of my favorites. I got a gorgeous picture of a big fat bumble bee on a bleeding heart! Anyway, so when I settled down to do some exam grading, I set myself up on the porch and commenced. 15 minutes later a massive storm erupted with lightning, gale-force winds and so much water it looked like it was power-washing the driveway! Of course, knowing me, I took my exams inside and went back outside to watch the storm blow through. I LOVE thunderstorms. There is something so exciting about never knowing when the next lighting will flash and the next thunder will boom. I analyze which direction the storm is coming from, take note of the fog lifting from the valley across the street, watch the bunnies scurry into the woods after being startled by a loud thunder crack.

Then I thought.....wait.

ALL MY WINDOWS IN MY APARTMENT ARE WIDE OPEN!!!! AHHHH!!!!

To my horror when I arrived home later that night, there was a wide swath of puddles and wet carpet about 4 feet under all my windows. I had to quickly get my carpet off my hardwood floors - this entailed moving furniture - and putting my only fan on the carpet to try to get it to dry. This is difficult I might add when it is 80 degrees with 90% humidity in your apartment (at 8pm at night and you have yet to make your gifts for the seniors that are graduating tomorrow!) Oh joy. After realizing there was nothing more I could do, I set to distraction, which I might add, I am pretty good at. I sat there in my kitchen with all my crafting tools - paper, scissors, ribbon, glue, glitter and stamps and made little jars for my seniors. Inside the jars were strips of paper that they had written to each other telling each girl how awesome they are. They loved it, and that is what counts....not that I got to bed at 1am. :-)

Oh, and I forgot to mention that my check engine soon light came on in my car on the way to my parents. I had that looked at today and for a low, conservative, just what absolutely has to get done price of $500, I got it fixed. FYI, there goes the credit card again. :-( and the money I was saving for a chair for the living room.

Oh yea, and because of the severe water damage, my cable box is broken...no TV, which I am actually happy about, besides the fact that I would like to get that fixed, its been good not to have it to distract me.....see, I am writing this blog at 9:45pm on a Friday instead of watching a made-for-TV-movie. Huh.

Needless to say, tomorrow I am getting the cable fixed, my Dad is coming to put in the air conditioner, my car is fixed (I think!...) and I still have grading to do. whew.

Wow, I feel better getting that off my chest. :-) Hope everybody else is doing just fine!

JK Rowling

So I was on Boston.com (my homepage) and it said that JK Rowling was the graduation speaker at Harvard. Here is a clip of her remarks....very good!!

Obama claims Democratic nomination - Decision '08- msnbc.com

Obama claims Democratic nomination - Decision '08- msnbc.com

Obama!

Well, the news came quickly today. Barack Obama has secured the Democratic Nomination for President of the United States.

Now. I have been thinking about this all afternoon and evening. I voted in the MD primary for Hillary. I voted for Hillary because I couldn't NOT vote for a woman when I had the chance in the voting booth. I will always remember the moment I cast my vote for a woman to be President. It's personal. And I think that every woman (or African American) can understand that this is what this campaign season has been about - Breaking those glass ceilings. That being said, I just have just finished watching Obama's speech and I have to tell you, I was moved. I am excited and energized by the notion of an African American man being President. This is history! This IS a moment. A new beginning. We as a country, as a society, have come so far over the last 40 years, it really is unbelievable and is a true testament to the hearts and minds of the people that make up this country. I am proud to be an American tonight and it has been a long time since I felt this kind of pride for our country. It is special to be witnessing this historical moment and hopefully the moments ahead in the next few months with the victory of Obama over John McCain. I felt inspired listening to him speak (Click here if you want to read his speech)because he reminds us of what is great about America. He reminds us that we can do wonderful things when we put our best hearts and minds forward. He reminds us that division amongst us only tears us down, pitting Democrats against Republicans and Republicans against Democrats. I am so tired of the right wing evangelical rhetoric that has been ruling our country because it is hypocritical and divisive. Obama gives me hope because he has done something tonight that I (in my pessimism) didn't think was possible. If he can do this, what can't he do???

So Hillary. Good fight. YOU ARE THE WOMAN! I have no doubts you will continue to lead this country in some capacity - VEEP? But I have to give it up to Obama tonight and throw my energy and support toward the nominee. It is time to move forward toward November. Let's re-focus. Let's come together. Let's prevent another 4 years of Bush rule!

These are the closing thoughts for tonight....feels good to get it out there. :-)

Good news!

So this weekend has been absolutely wonderful. On Friday I went with Jami to the Orioles v. Red Sox game at Camden Yards. It was so much fun, we had great seats and a wonderful view! I was sincerely hoping Manny Ramirez would hit his 500th homerun while were there (so did the other Red Sox fans!), but he didn't and we left disappointed in that area. But the game went into extra innings and we left in the 12th. The Red Sox finally pulled it out in the 13th. It was so much fun!!! I love my Red Sox.

Yesterday I had Ubah, Katie and Stephanie over for dinner and then Katie and Ubah stayed over night. We had a good time catching up and hearing all of Ubah's stories of Copenhagen and her trip. They got to see my apartment and I was so happy for them all to be there.

This afternoon, I am trying to motivate finishing up grading and getting ready for next week.

On Friday some exciting news! My friend Mandy and her husband just a baby on Friday. So exciting! I can't wait to see him. I think that is the last of the babies for now. Three in three months. Whew! :-)

Long Weekends....

Well, I must say, that even though I was supposed to do a lot work (grading, finishing my exam etc) I haven't done any of it this long memorial day weekend. Instead, I spent Saturday cleaning and running errands; Sunday I went to my parents and we watched the new Indiana Jones movie, had a nice dinner and sat around the fire pit with our neighbors. Today I worked on a baby blanket and got it almost finished! So really, it has been a pretty relaxing weekend.

Tonight I have to buckle down and get my work done, nothing quite like procrastination!

It has finally gotten hot, summer feels like it is here and the bright sunshine is just what I needed. School is almost over, this week is review week and then exams start on Friday. I am so glad that this year is in the rearview mirror and tomorrow and Wednesday we are having parties in my classes to celebrate. :-)

SUMMER HERE I COME!

Keith Olberman rant is great!

I saw this last night on MSNBC. I really couldn't put this any better.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/24635229#24635229

 

 

 

 

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day! Albeit 1 day early. I took this picture of a bleeding heart flower in my mother's garden. I love it because it is delicate, feminine, complicated, vibrant and strong,- just like a mother's love.

I am posting a few other picture of my mom from her childhood, as a teenager and as a newly-wed. I am posting these because I think it is important for women everywhere, especially on Mother's day to celebrate being mothers (BTW, I use this term loosely!), but also celebrating who they were before being mothers. Pre-and Post- motherhood. It is important for all of us sometimes to remember where we have come from and who we were in order to see how much we've grown into who we are.

I also want to send a special shout out to all my friends who are new mothers (2 this year already!) and one soon to be. I know these bundles of joy are the lights of your life and I am so happy for you!

friends....

Sometimes I feel so blessed to have such wonderful friends. To be surrounded by such giving, kind, passionate, funny and compassionate people makes me happier and a better person. I think that it is rare to have so many special people in one's life, and so therefore, I feel blessed. I can honestly look back on my life so far and say that there have always been loved ones present when I needed someone the most. In times of lonliness, I don't have to look very far to see that there are people who love me all around me, but that it is me who is closing the window. I have to try to remember to keep that window cracked or even better, wide open so the breeze can blow in and stur things up a bit.

I love this time of year. Spring. Spring and fall are my favorite seasons, I think I like it because like most things, these seasons are in the gray area - not too hot, not too cold, just right. I think as I get older, I am appreciating and respecting this "gray area." This gray area is the place that most of us live most of the time. Navigating this fog can at times be extremely hard because we can't see where we are going, nor can we see where we've been. It's cloudy, murky and dark. But remembering that just like the seasons, time will continue ticking and eventually, with patience and hope, the fog will lift, the birds will sing, the sun will rise, the sun will set, and we will keep moving on. It is surviving this fog that can be difficult and that is where the friends come in.

Friends can help us move on. Long time friends have been there through these dard times. They have held our hands, cried with us and know our histories. New friends bring energy and new ideas. They can remind us to live when we need reminding.

Sorry I've got so many ramblings tonight. I feel like so much is going on with people I know, jobs being lost, medical issues, family problems and life disappointments. I wish I could make everything better. Hopefully my friends know that I love them and support them, no matter what is going on, and I hope they too will remember to keep that window open for me.

What a week....

Well,
I have to share with my blogging friends that this has been one hell of a week. I spent most of the week at work - working 11 and 12 hour days. Needless to say, there were some highlights, like being offered a position to chair the interdisciplinary committee, and even though I was working hard at grading and lesson planning, I feel like I was at least preparing good, solid lessons. It always makes me feel good when a lesson is received well, it is fun and interesting and the girls seem to enjoy it. We are learning about body systems now, and for the girls, this is their favorite part of biology. Honestly, I think it is partly because they can relate it very easily to themselves, and as teenagers, this is what they are most concerned about at the moment. :-) Sometimes I just have to remember that they are teenagers and not the most mature adults I would like them to be. At the same time, there is a level of respect that I feel even 5 year old should have that some of these students don't.

With that in mind, let me tell you that my boss got an email from a parent saying essentially, "my daughter has had a rough year all year, and we have done everything we can, including her meeting regularly with Ms. Wilson, and as a family loving, supporting, and encouraging our daughter. We would like to talk to you about what a horrible time she is having in biology." There was more, but you get the jist. Meanwhile, she has come to see me once the entire semester, her grades have never deviated from the low 80's the entire year, she barely participates in class, has never sought out the Resource Center at school, the advisors don't know about this, I have never heard from these parents before, and this is the first I've heard of her "horrible experience." It is a low blow that has come out of nowhere. And what is interesting is my reaction. I am more hurt by this than others that have come my way. Why is "the family" waiting until mid-April to spring this on me? Not to mention they CC'ed my director, "who if appropriate, they would like to have in on this conversation." What is this???? It is hard for me to keep this in context because I have been struggling particularly with this class, and I KNOW there are others (all her friends who run the class) who feel the same way. I am tired of trying to get their attention, make them interested, make them think, and allow them to learn. If only they could see that their negativity is shooting them in the foot.

I must say, that this is very hard to take. I work my butt off and it seems that there is no appreciation from the people I want it from the most. It just sucks. At times I feel like I am in the same situation I was in at Dana-Farber. I know that my colleagues support me, and I have the support of my dept. chair and division director, but it isn't quite the same as support from the students.

What is really funny is that last week I got a thank you note from one of my seniors who wasn't a star student, struggled in my classes, but I wrote her a recommendation for college because she always tried so hard. Last night I read this note again, and honestly, it just made me sadder. I think because I had such a good year last year, I really connected with the students, I am going to be very sad to see them go.

I am putting this thank you note in this blog; not to boast, but to make me feel better and to remind myself that I am a good teacher and that this year, I really did get stuck with some bad apples.

Ms. Wilson,
I want to extend my greatest thanks to you for writing my college recommendations. I am delighted to say I was accepted at and will be attending my number one choice- Georgetown! I realize how much time and effort goes into writing the recs. I know you especially were bombarded, something I hope you took as a sign that your students felt like they thrived in your class and developed a close teacher-student relationship with you. I was lucky enough to have you in science for two years and in that time, I never felt timid about coming to you if I had a question or concern. In a short time you have established yourself as one of the most kind and passionate teachers in the school who truly cares about the students' well beings. Science has never been my forte but you made it an enjoyable experience. Thank you once again for the recommendations. I really appreciate everything you did for me.
Best wishes,

Prom

So last night I went to my second prom! Yes, I was a chaperone at the BMS prom at the Belvedere in Baltimore. The room was gorgeous, huge ceiling, white linen table cloths, large dance floor, girls and boys dressed up, and their hair and make-up done. It was a great night, only a few minor mishaps (injuries-being stepped on), and it was so nice to see the juniors and seniors having fun, being grown up, and dancing to "Shout"! I had a moment when they were jumping up and down, singing and smiling, and I thought, "oh, to be young like that!". It made me smile, and reminded me why I love teaching these kids. I feel like that song can bring out the kid in anyone, and I wished I could jump right in with them. I needed that, it has been a rough year.

By the end of the night, my feet hurt and I couldn't stop yawning, but I slept in this morning, and all is well.

Inspiring

I saw this last night on Primetime. http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/LastLecture/

If you need some inspiration.....

What a week!

Well, I did it to myself, but that is what eternal procrastinators do, right? Rough week with grades and comments due on Wednesday. I had fun on Thursday night when several friends came over to watch the TV show Miss Guided. It is about a high school guidance teacher and the school she works in. It is hilarious and it reminded me of old times in Spencer watching Friends, crowded on the sofas eating pizza.

Yesterday I did a really fun lab using Betta fish and looking at animal behavior. I think the kids seemed to enjoy it, it is hard to get them excited sometimes. I think the next unit on Body Systems always sparks enthusiasm, but unfortunately, I really don't care for it too much. I'm not a doctor, don't wish to be, and usually all they ask are...."My uncle has this problem...." type of questions. ugh. Oh well, I am seeing the light at the end of the academic tunnel, and things are going to speed by the rest of the year.

Last night I came home to my parents to see them (and get some laundry done!). It was great to catch up.

This weekend will be full of grading, since they just finished a project, I have 120 posters and handouts to grade.

Oh, well, at least I don't have to write comments anymore.

When you get a chance, check this out:
http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.wordpress.com/full-list-of-stuff-white-people-like/

Neglect

Well, it seems I have neglected this blog and need to post something to make me feel better! Spring break was wonderful, I didn't do any work, pushed it to the edges of my imagination and was very proud of myself for compartmentalizing so effectively! Unfortunately, work called this week and grades and student comments are due on Wednesday. So I am back with the grind of grading all weekend and writing comments. The only good news out of this is that the students are working on individual projects on Monday and Tuesday, so I will have time to get some desperate planning done.

Last night I went to a showing of a documentary about high school marching bands called "From the 50 Yard Line." Yes I was a band geek and proud of it, and that movie made me appreciate even more the lessons I learned in high school about working hard, having and keeping friends, and disappointment (we were certaintly not the best, but we tried VERY hard!) It was also great to see high school students being so invested in each other and the group and made me see all over again how important music education is in our school systems. Some of those students reminded me of my students and that was fun to see. Bryn Mawr doesn't have a band - we have an orchestra, so it is a little different. I miss band! :-)

Well, I just want to close by sending a shout out to all my friends (you know who you are!). I think about you often, even if I am not so good at communicating it. Love ya!

Boston and good friends

Yeah! I am in Boston! It is wonderful to be back, see old haunts, feel the chill in the air (it snowed Sat. morning), and reminisce about the the good times I had here.

Paige's baby shower was on Saturday. It was a full house, with about 20 people showing how much they care. Both sets of parents came and we had two little ones that stole the show! It was so nice to catch up with the girls from Paige and Jeremy's wedding and see how they are doing. While the girls were setting up for the party, I took Paige out and we went to Harvard Square to walk around. I had some New England chowda, Paige had some corn chowda, and we sat and talked. Talking face to face like old times was just what I needed. Good friends are able to pick up right where you left off like there is no time or geographical distance. Then we walked to this store called the Curious George, a children's store filled with old favorites. We were oohing and ahhing over Beatrix Potter, Golden Books and classics like the Secret Garden. I wish I had a store like this back in Baltimore. I miss these kind of stores - stores that are unique and clever, and you feel like they have something important to say, like "Look at us, we are bucking the big store, department store, standardized store, system!"

Today I am excited because I am having lunch with my former roommate Sara and then dinner with Cara and Paige. Tomorrow I leave and I know I will be sad to go, but hopefully I will be able to visit this summer so I can see the new baby.

I am so excited for Paige and Jeremy. They are going to be wonderful parents.

 

it was so nice not to not think about school today....

Last night I had a great time hanging out with friends and catching up in Westminster (you rascals know who you are!), but the weather was so bad, I just stayed at my parents house. It was nice to see them, they just bought a new mini van and my mom wanted to show it off. It was nice unwinding with them after another bad day. I really don't want to re-hash it, needless to say, sometimes my students get one my last nerve. Oh well.
So this morning my Dad and I went out to breakfast and then I went over to a long time friend's house to give her her Christmas present. Can you believe it??? Unreal. It was great to see her and find out how things are going in her life. Then I made a stop at JoAnn Fabrics before heading back to B-more. I then settled in to finishing (aka making) a baby blanket for one of my various friends who are having babies. I hope none of them are reading this or looking at it!! But it was great being creative and actually producing something tangible. All in all, great day and I didn't think about school! I needed this break I tell you!!
I am hoping tomorrow will be a sunnier day, it seems we may be stuck in this constant cold rain pattern....
Hopefully my pictures show up of the blanket. :-)

Exciting news!

So I found out today some really exciting news! I have been accepted to the Klingenstein Summer Institute through Columbia University Teacher's College. http://www.klingenstein.org/academics/summerInstitute.html I am so thrilled and can't wait to go. It is held the last two weeks of June, right after school ends and I am going to be staying at The Lawrenceville School in NJ. It is very hard to get into, and I was just thinking this weekend that I hadn't heard anything so I was trying to let myself down gently! It is an intensive program that I ultimately will get 3 graduate credits for.

Otherwise, today I "yelled" at my students for being rude, and I got their attention by saying that if they kept talking while I or anyone else was talking that I would give them a spur-of-the-moment pop quiz without any hesitation. I am tired of their disrespect. It is getting ridiculous. Just little things like talking and not focusing. It's like they don't know what they are there for. GEEZ!

So this Institute acceptance was a bright spot! Yeah! I am so thrilled, I really wanted this.

 

last week

Last week was rough. So much to do at school, grading, interim grades were due, all while still planning for day to day. Because I don't want to give too many details, I will just say that a student went to my boss last week to complain about her grade in my class. I am so lucky to have the support from the administration and the day after, this particular student, who had an attitude the previous day, came ready to learn with a whole new outlook. She is going to the Resource Center, meeting with me, and has a new perspective on the class. It was a roller coaster week, but in the end, I was so happy that this particular turn around happened. This student is a great kid, a leader on campus, and I really want her to do well, but she was hurting herself by putting up a wall. It was amazing to watch her transformation.

I am excited because I am going to watch Josh today and I haven't seen him in months. He is growing by the minute and I can't wait to play!

a full day

Well, today was a snow day! Yeah! Even though there was little to no snow, and just a thin layer of ice, the powers that be took pity on us and gave us the day off. I think we all needed it - both students and teachers alike. I am very grateful.

SO after realizing we had off today @5:30 this morning, like any good snow day, I buried myself under the covers and went back to sleep. Even those few hours of extra sleep make it seem like a better day. Like you can deal with anything you face. I am glad I had those extra hours because I ended up helping a very good friend move. It was a bit of a spur of the moment move, but one that needed to happen quickly and I am glad I could be there to help. I am so happy for her to have a place of her own and I am proud of her for doing what was difficult and taking care of herself.

I hope she realizes how inspiring she is, how brave and courageous she was today, and how very proud I am of what she did. It was a very big deal.

Kind of random thoughts today

So after talking with my colleague Gregg today, I feel like I have so much to post!

I could talk about the Red Sox and Manny Ramirez and whether it is in the Sox's best interest to renew his contract for 2009; or I could talk about the snow day I am desperately hoping above all hope of having tomorrow; or how Hillary Clinton is doing in the polls and how I think there is no hope for her campaign; or I could talk about how the world is at rest and scenes of US embassies on fire ring like deja vu.

Alas, maybe I will just leave it at this list of things that are on my mind and be happy with the fact that all of these thought occurred in about 20 minutes time. hmmm

If anyone has any thoughts about any of these or more interesting topics, feel free to leave a comment!

THINK SNOW!

Annoying

Ok, so I just tried to post my last post and it didn't work! Ahh the frustration. This is my second try.

Across The Universe

So last night I watched this movie called "Across the Universe." There were parts of the movie I really liked, for example, I like how the Beatles songs were woven into the plot and an actual part of the movie. I thought the acting and singing were both great, and I was really impressed by the visual effects and artistry of the movie. I guess I wish they had done a better job of not just showing this one story - the white kids in the city, anti-war story. There were so many other things that happened in the 60's that I felt were not underscored enough. One of the most moving parts of the film was the civil rights riots in Detroit while a boy was singing "Let it Be." That scene was so emotional. Martin Luther King's assassination was a 5 second blip and JFK and RFK weren't even mentioned. This seems like a shame. I think the juxtaposition between fighting overseas for liberty and democracy without some citizens having that right to liberty and freedom should have been emphasized more. Overall, it is a must-see, because it lingers. I love movies that linger.....

Has anyone seen this movie? What did you think?

I am back to work today after having yesterday off for President's Day. Ugh. I am giving a test tomorrow I have to make tonight. :-) Didn't get much done this weekend, even though I promised myself I would. Just couldn't force myself to do it.
Anyone checked the weather report? Snow???? Is it too much to ask? :-)

My first blog!

This is so cool! I have to warn anyone looking, that I am not good at this. This is an attempt to try to write down my thoughts, concerns, good news and inspiration. I have never really been good at keeping a journal or writing in a diary. Something about having it there for all time that makes me cringe. But what the hell, never say never, right? I will try it and see how it goes. It might be fun!
I just got inspired because I read two blogs from two good friends. I think it is wonderful how your friends can push you to try things without even knowing it.

So here goes. My first entry.