Well, a couple of weeks ago, I suggested that the school district apply for a specific federal grant for one of the middle schools. Somehow, that suggestion was (mis)construed as my volunteering to write it...a 70 page federal grant in about a week and a half. Yeah, so I've been doing a lot of writing, and my brain hurts. I have almost no experience with grant writing, but if we get this grant, it will be about half a million dollars for this school (over 5 years). I'm very tired of writing about Terra Nova and AIMS scores, Not Performing status and AYPs. So...I'm going to write about TV......
Over spring break, I watched the first disc of Season 1 of Supernatural. I didn't know much about the show, but friends who have similar tastes really love the show with a fanatical devotion. I hate to say that I wasn't very impressed. I mean, it's not a particularly bad show...but not especially good either. To me, the show felt very similar to Smallville. (If you like Smallville, you'll probably like Supernatural as it has the same "feel," though it is grittier and more violent.) Also, I like shows with complicated characters. Supernatural seems to only have two recurring characters-- Sam and Dean-- and although they are acceptable eye candy, they're not that interesting. Dean (or the writers who script Dean) seem to find his comments hilarious, and he pauses, almost waiting for a rim shot, after each "witty" comment. Sadly, he's just not that funny.
In addition, Supernatural really stretches the limits of plausibility, even in the realm of fantasy. Smallville, which I haven't watched for years, could kind of get away with its chronic weirdness by blaming everything on the radioactive meteors. The community accepted this. Now, most of my favorite shows call for significant "willful suspension of disbelief," but I'm willing to do it for their sakes. They've earned that. Alias-- Marshall can design a contraption that reprograms every computer within a ten mile radius...and the contraption doubles as a lovely ankelet? Sure, Marshall can do anything! I'd trust my life (or at least my electronic gadgets) to Marshall and his inflatable furniture. 24-- Jack Bauer is captured by the Chinese and transported to a Chinese prison...by boat...and this journey takes 15 minutes? Well, I'm sure the Chinese have some excellent technology! But Supernatural-- The Wonder Twins (Sam and Dean) perform a noisy excorcism on a crowded commercial airplane, causing the plane to dramatically plunge as lights flicker on and off, and no passenger has any reaction except for the flight attendant who mouthes "thank you"? Um...I don't think so! Dateline, Oprah, Dr. Phil, Geraldo, and 60 Minutes would be battling it out for the exclusive interviews!
So...I'm taking the rest of the discs out of my queue. Maybe if I get really bored this summer when everything else is on hiatus I'll return to the boys fighting demons who suck people down drains and other such nonsense....
Right now, I have Band of Brothers, and so far, it's fabulous.
Anyway, as you were.....
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Friday, March 23, 2007
What makes a good memoir?
As I wrote previously, I love reading memoirs. So...as I was meandering around the library the other day, the memoir Jesus Land (Julia Scheeres) caught my eye. I liked the cover. So...I read the book, and it was fairly interesting...but ultimately unsatisfying...which got me thinking about what makes a good memoir. I've read a great many memoirs, and those that I consider not very good tend to be those that would be better left as personal journals. Published memoirs should not be solely written for catharsis or a therapeutic exercise. Jesus Land felt that way. In one sense, Scheeres did not have enough distance on the subject matter, but yet in another way, she had too much distance and the telling was almost rote. As I said, it was interesting, but I can't say I came away with much except not to ship my kids off to a religious reform school in South America. After another few years of therapy, the book might have been better.
In comparison, I think of some of my favorite memoirs: Expecting Adam by Martha Beck, Undercurrents by Martha Manning, Turning Stones by Marc Parent and One Child by Torey Hayden. These are books that not only kept my attention while reading them, but truly took up residence in my being and changed who I am. In addition to being well-written and witty, all of those books have an overarching relatability. If you're human, you'll probably identify. They possess a certain vulnerability and insight.
Interestingly, Martha's Beck more recent memoir, Leaving the Saints (about her experience of sexual abuse and leaving the Mormon church), falls short of that greatness, at least in my opinion. I attended an author's event when the book was released, heard her speak and chatted with her personally for a bit. Many in attendance were former Mormons/LDS, and they found her book very immediate. Although I can relate to many things, not ever having been a Mormon, the book doesn't have the same impact. It is well-written, with Martha's signature humor, and I learned a lot of interesting history about LDS....but again, it seems to lack the universal appeal that I see in Expecting Adam. For instance, Expecting Adam is about Martha's pregnancy with her son, Adam. Both she and her husband were working on advanced degrees at Harvard when she found out the baby she was carrying had Down's syndrome. Friends and colleagues urged her to abort. The entire experience rocked her worldview to its core, as she was challenged to re-examine her values and lifestyle. Okay, so I've never been pregnant, never had a child with Down's syndrome and never been to Harvard. However, the book resonates. Almost everyone has been trhough an experience that challenges assumptions and calls for re-evaluating one's life.
Well, I could go on and on about memoirs (and probably will at a later date), but I will leave you for those thoughts for now. If you want a good read, try one of the books I mentioned. :)
In comparison, I think of some of my favorite memoirs: Expecting Adam by Martha Beck, Undercurrents by Martha Manning, Turning Stones by Marc Parent and One Child by Torey Hayden. These are books that not only kept my attention while reading them, but truly took up residence in my being and changed who I am. In addition to being well-written and witty, all of those books have an overarching relatability. If you're human, you'll probably identify. They possess a certain vulnerability and insight.
Interestingly, Martha's Beck more recent memoir, Leaving the Saints (about her experience of sexual abuse and leaving the Mormon church), falls short of that greatness, at least in my opinion. I attended an author's event when the book was released, heard her speak and chatted with her personally for a bit. Many in attendance were former Mormons/LDS, and they found her book very immediate. Although I can relate to many things, not ever having been a Mormon, the book doesn't have the same impact. It is well-written, with Martha's signature humor, and I learned a lot of interesting history about LDS....but again, it seems to lack the universal appeal that I see in Expecting Adam. For instance, Expecting Adam is about Martha's pregnancy with her son, Adam. Both she and her husband were working on advanced degrees at Harvard when she found out the baby she was carrying had Down's syndrome. Friends and colleagues urged her to abort. The entire experience rocked her worldview to its core, as she was challenged to re-examine her values and lifestyle. Okay, so I've never been pregnant, never had a child with Down's syndrome and never been to Harvard. However, the book resonates. Almost everyone has been trhough an experience that challenges assumptions and calls for re-evaluating one's life.
Well, I could go on and on about memoirs (and probably will at a later date), but I will leave you for those thoughts for now. If you want a good read, try one of the books I mentioned. :)
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
You read the title of the blog, right?
Mundane musings. Very mundane.
100 Questions Meme (Unless the numbers are wrong and there's only 99 or are 101)
1. ONE OF YOUR SCARS, HOW DID YOU GET IT?
I have scars on my knees from multiple falls from grace.
2. WHAT IS ON THE WALLS IN YOUR ROOM?
This room? Paintings of (and from) Moscow, Paris and London.
3. WHAT DOES YOUR CELL PHONE LOOK LIKE?
Just a little flip phone, gray.
4. WHAT MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO?
Mostly modern rock type stuff
5. DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME YOU WERE BORN?
I think I was born in the evening.
6. WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING RIGHT NOW?
A maid who uses nontoxic cleaning products (and is free)
7. WHO DO YOU MISS?
Quite a few people, actually.
10. WHAT'S YOUR MIDDLE NAME?
It starts with an "E."
11. THE BEST TV SHOW EVER CREATED:
Ever created, I'd say Alias, but follow-through left something to be desired.
12. THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO?
The cashier at Target
13. DO YOU GET SCARED IN THE DARK?
No, unless I'm outside, and I think there are snakes lurking and ready to strike.
14. THE LAST PERSON TO MAKE YOU CRY?
Probably me
15. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLOGNE / PERFUME?
I hate cologne and perfume!
16. WHAT KIND OF HAIR/EYE COLOR DO YOU LIKE ON THE OPPOSITE SEX?
I like blue eyes, but I don't really have a favorite hair color.
17. WOULD YOU RATHER BE SMART OR FUNNY?
I try to be both. :)
18. COFFEE OR ENERGY DRINKS?
Dr. Pepper
19. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PIZZA TOPPING?
Mushrooms and pineapple! Yum....
20. IF YOU CAN EAT ANYTHING RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Chocolate ice cream. I wish I had some.
21. WHO IS THE LAST PERSON YOU MADE MAD?
I don't know. If it's you, let me know!
22. DO YOU SPEAK ANOTHER LANGUAGE?
Not well... though I can read Spanish decently and can understand quite a bit that I hear.
23. WHAT WAS THE FIRST GIFT SOMEONE EVER GAVE YOU?
Ummm...life?
24. DO YOU LIKE SOMEONE?
No, I hate everyone.
25. ARE YOU DOUBLE JOINTED?
No, but it would make life much easier.
26. FAVORITE CLOTHING BRAND?
I like Ann Taylor Loft, but most of my stuff comes from Old Navy, Target or someplace like that.
27. WHAT'S YOUR DREAM CAR?
One with a GPS system.
28. WHAT COLOR IS IT?
Whatever.
29. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE KIND OF EXERCISE?
Walking or yoga.
30. WOULD YOU FALL IN LOVE KNOWING THAT THE PERSON IS LEAVING?
I'd try not to.
31. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TELL SOMEONE HOW MUCH THEY MEAN TO YOU?
Write them a letter.
32. SAY A NUMBER FROM ONE TO A HUNDRED:
11.
33. BLONDES OR BRUNETTES?
Brunettes.
34. WHAT IS THE ONE NUMBER YOU CALL OFTEN?
Probably the bilingual clerk at work.
35. WHAT ANNOYS YOU MOST?
Hmmm...people talking on cell phones loudly in public.
35. HAVE YOU BEEN OUT OF THE U.S.?
Yes
36. YOUR WEAKNESSES?
How long have you got?
37. TATER TOTS OR FRIES?
Fries but I don't eat them much...and even then, mostly as conduits for catsup!
38. FIRST JOB?
Babysitting
39. EVER PRANK CALLED SOMEONE?
Yes.
40. WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU FILLED OUT THIS?
Getting directions on Mapquest.
41. IF YOU COULD GET PLASTIC SURGERY WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I think I would like my nose to be different.
42. WHY DID YOU FILL OUT THIS SURVEY?
I don't know. Why are you reading it?
43. WHAT DO YOU GET COMPLIMENTED ABOUT MOST?
Probably being an advocate for the kids or diligent or blahblah something like that. But sometimes people compliment me on my clothes. :)
44. WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF ALCOHOL BECAME ILLEGAL?
Since I don't drink, I don't think that would make a major impact on my life.
45. WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY?
A pony?
46. HOW MANY KIDS DO YOU WANT?
I have plenty at work right now.
47. WHERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
No.
48. DO YOU WISH ON STARS?
Always. :)
49. WHICH FINGER[S] IS YOUR FAVORITE?
I never really thought about it before, but my pinkies are kinda cute.
50. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY?
I can't remember. Quite some time ago....
51. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Yes (but not my cursive).
52. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Cheese. Or tuna.
53. ANY BAD HABITS?
No, none. (Of course I'm joking!)
54. WHAT IS YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING CD ON THE SHELF?
Maybe WOW 2001? Or Howie Day?
55. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
I think I would irritate myself, but at the same time, I would be drawn to my loyalty.
56. HAVE YOU EVER TOLD A SECRET YOU SWORE NOT TO TELL?
I don't think so, but I rarely swear not to tell.
57. DO LOOKS MATTER?
Realistically? Yes.
58. HOW DO YOU RELEASE YOUR ANGER?
I make sarcastic comments (sometimes just to myself) until I start laughing about the situation. And if that doesn't work, I get in a good brawl. (Kidding!) If I'm really mad, I take some time alone, go for a walk, write, think, pray, get some perspective.
59. WHERE IS YOUR SECOND HOME?
Where is my first?
60. DO YOU TRUST OTHERS EASILY?
No.
61. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY AS A CHILD?
My dolls, especially Ann. (My brother threw up on her head one time during a flight, and I was quite traumatized.)
62. HOW MANY NUMBERS ARE IN YOUR CELL PHONE?
A bunch.
63. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
Uh, yes.
64. DO YOU KNOW ANYONE FAMOUS?
How famous are we talking?
65. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN A MOSH PIT?
Yes, but I quickly got out!
66. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A GUY/GIRL?
A guy/girl? Well, for starters, in order for me to consider dating someone, that person would have to be a bit more decisive in his/her gender identity.
67. WHAT ARE YOUR NICKNAMES?
MISS! MISS! Hey, Miss-- can we have snack now? (I've started responding, "KID! Hey, Kid! What is my NAME?")
68. HOW MANY PAIRS OF SHOES DO YOU HAVE?
I haven't counted. They are scattered about the apartment so I don't feel like gathering them now.
69. DO YOU UN-TIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
No.
70. WHERE YOU UPSET ABOUT STEVE IRWIN DYING?
Well, in a generalized sort of way. I did not feel any personal grief.
71. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?
Variations of chocolate.
72. ARE YOU LAZY?
About equally yes and no.
73. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE COLORS?
Reds, yellow, maroon, plum, purple
74. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BAND?
I don't think I have one. I like Death Cab for Cutie, Azure Ray, Lifehouse (not the newest), Switchfoot, U2, R.E.M. and others......
75. HOW MANY WISDOM TEETH DO YOU HAVE?
None. I had two, but they were extracted.
76. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?
Whatever floats your boat.
77. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
The fridge.
78. LAST THING YOU ATE?
Starburst jellybeans (Target had about 10 aisles of Easter candy!)
79. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
Madeline.
80. WHATS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ON THE OPPOSITE SEX?
Eyes and smile (and the smile in their eyes)
81. FAVORITE THOUGHT PROVOKING SONG:
This week? Worlds Apart by Jars of Clay
82. FAVORITE THING TO HATE:
I like to mock more things than I actually hate. Reality shows would be one of those things.
83. FAVORITE DRINK:
Maximum Cactus smoothie from Xoom Juice
84. FAVORITE ZODIAC SIGN
No opinion. I'm a Scorpio.
85. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPORT?
Sports are natural selection in action.
86. WHAT IS YOUR HAIR COLOR?
Have we met? If not, why do you care?
87. EYE COLOR?
Ditto.
88. DO YOU WEAR GLASSES?
No, but I'm supposed to.
89. SIBLINGS?
Last I checked though I haven't heard from him since Christmas....
90. FAVORITE MONTH(s)
Well, April and October/November are usually the nicest here.
91. DO YOU LIKE SUSHI?
No, not even California rolls.
92. LAST THING YOU WATCHED?
24!!!!
93. FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR?
I suppose it depends on the year.
94. ARE YOU TOO SHY TO ASK SOMEONE OUT?
I never have asked anyone out, but I might (in a casual way) if I were really interested in someone.
95. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Fall.
96. KISSES OR HUGS?
There are not very many people who I would like to kiss me, so I guess I'll say hugs "from the general masses."
97. RELATIONSHIPS OR ONE-NIGHT STANDS?
One-night stands. Definitely. Avoid all entanglements. (If you don't know that I'm kidding, I doubt you belong on my blog.)
98. WHO IS THE MOST LIKELY TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?
No one.
99. WHO IS THE LEAST LIKELY TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?
Everyone.
100. Create your own question! Whoo!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ANIMAL?
Dolphin.
101. IS ANYONE IN LOVE WITH YOU?
Not that I know of.......
100 Questions Meme (Unless the numbers are wrong and there's only 99 or are 101)
1. ONE OF YOUR SCARS, HOW DID YOU GET IT?
I have scars on my knees from multiple falls from grace.
2. WHAT IS ON THE WALLS IN YOUR ROOM?
This room? Paintings of (and from) Moscow, Paris and London.
3. WHAT DOES YOUR CELL PHONE LOOK LIKE?
Just a little flip phone, gray.
4. WHAT MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO?
Mostly modern rock type stuff
5. DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME YOU WERE BORN?
I think I was born in the evening.
6. WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING RIGHT NOW?
A maid who uses nontoxic cleaning products (and is free)
7. WHO DO YOU MISS?
Quite a few people, actually.
10. WHAT'S YOUR MIDDLE NAME?
It starts with an "E."
11. THE BEST TV SHOW EVER CREATED:
Ever created, I'd say Alias, but follow-through left something to be desired.
12. THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO?
The cashier at Target
13. DO YOU GET SCARED IN THE DARK?
No, unless I'm outside, and I think there are snakes lurking and ready to strike.
14. THE LAST PERSON TO MAKE YOU CRY?
Probably me
15. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLOGNE / PERFUME?
I hate cologne and perfume!
16. WHAT KIND OF HAIR/EYE COLOR DO YOU LIKE ON THE OPPOSITE SEX?
I like blue eyes, but I don't really have a favorite hair color.
17. WOULD YOU RATHER BE SMART OR FUNNY?
I try to be both. :)
18. COFFEE OR ENERGY DRINKS?
Dr. Pepper
19. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PIZZA TOPPING?
Mushrooms and pineapple! Yum....
20. IF YOU CAN EAT ANYTHING RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Chocolate ice cream. I wish I had some.
21. WHO IS THE LAST PERSON YOU MADE MAD?
I don't know. If it's you, let me know!
22. DO YOU SPEAK ANOTHER LANGUAGE?
Not well... though I can read Spanish decently and can understand quite a bit that I hear.
23. WHAT WAS THE FIRST GIFT SOMEONE EVER GAVE YOU?
Ummm...life?
24. DO YOU LIKE SOMEONE?
No, I hate everyone.
25. ARE YOU DOUBLE JOINTED?
No, but it would make life much easier.
26. FAVORITE CLOTHING BRAND?
I like Ann Taylor Loft, but most of my stuff comes from Old Navy, Target or someplace like that.
27. WHAT'S YOUR DREAM CAR?
One with a GPS system.
28. WHAT COLOR IS IT?
Whatever.
29. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE KIND OF EXERCISE?
Walking or yoga.
30. WOULD YOU FALL IN LOVE KNOWING THAT THE PERSON IS LEAVING?
I'd try not to.
31. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TELL SOMEONE HOW MUCH THEY MEAN TO YOU?
Write them a letter.
32. SAY A NUMBER FROM ONE TO A HUNDRED:
11.
33. BLONDES OR BRUNETTES?
Brunettes.
34. WHAT IS THE ONE NUMBER YOU CALL OFTEN?
Probably the bilingual clerk at work.
35. WHAT ANNOYS YOU MOST?
Hmmm...people talking on cell phones loudly in public.
35. HAVE YOU BEEN OUT OF THE U.S.?
Yes
36. YOUR WEAKNESSES?
How long have you got?
37. TATER TOTS OR FRIES?
Fries but I don't eat them much...and even then, mostly as conduits for catsup!
38. FIRST JOB?
Babysitting
39. EVER PRANK CALLED SOMEONE?
Yes.
40. WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU FILLED OUT THIS?
Getting directions on Mapquest.
41. IF YOU COULD GET PLASTIC SURGERY WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I think I would like my nose to be different.
42. WHY DID YOU FILL OUT THIS SURVEY?
I don't know. Why are you reading it?
43. WHAT DO YOU GET COMPLIMENTED ABOUT MOST?
Probably being an advocate for the kids or diligent or blahblah something like that. But sometimes people compliment me on my clothes. :)
44. WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF ALCOHOL BECAME ILLEGAL?
Since I don't drink, I don't think that would make a major impact on my life.
45. WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY?
A pony?
46. HOW MANY KIDS DO YOU WANT?
I have plenty at work right now.
47. WHERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
No.
48. DO YOU WISH ON STARS?
Always. :)
49. WHICH FINGER[S] IS YOUR FAVORITE?
I never really thought about it before, but my pinkies are kinda cute.
50. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY?
I can't remember. Quite some time ago....
51. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Yes (but not my cursive).
52. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Cheese. Or tuna.
53. ANY BAD HABITS?
No, none. (Of course I'm joking!)
54. WHAT IS YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING CD ON THE SHELF?
Maybe WOW 2001? Or Howie Day?
55. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
I think I would irritate myself, but at the same time, I would be drawn to my loyalty.
56. HAVE YOU EVER TOLD A SECRET YOU SWORE NOT TO TELL?
I don't think so, but I rarely swear not to tell.
57. DO LOOKS MATTER?
Realistically? Yes.
58. HOW DO YOU RELEASE YOUR ANGER?
I make sarcastic comments (sometimes just to myself) until I start laughing about the situation. And if that doesn't work, I get in a good brawl. (Kidding!) If I'm really mad, I take some time alone, go for a walk, write, think, pray, get some perspective.
59. WHERE IS YOUR SECOND HOME?
Where is my first?
60. DO YOU TRUST OTHERS EASILY?
No.
61. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY AS A CHILD?
My dolls, especially Ann. (My brother threw up on her head one time during a flight, and I was quite traumatized.)
62. HOW MANY NUMBERS ARE IN YOUR CELL PHONE?
A bunch.
63. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
Uh, yes.
64. DO YOU KNOW ANYONE FAMOUS?
How famous are we talking?
65. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN A MOSH PIT?
Yes, but I quickly got out!
66. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A GUY/GIRL?
A guy/girl? Well, for starters, in order for me to consider dating someone, that person would have to be a bit more decisive in his/her gender identity.
67. WHAT ARE YOUR NICKNAMES?
MISS! MISS! Hey, Miss-- can we have snack now? (I've started responding, "KID! Hey, Kid! What is my NAME?")
68. HOW MANY PAIRS OF SHOES DO YOU HAVE?
I haven't counted. They are scattered about the apartment so I don't feel like gathering them now.
69. DO YOU UN-TIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
No.
70. WHERE YOU UPSET ABOUT STEVE IRWIN DYING?
Well, in a generalized sort of way. I did not feel any personal grief.
71. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?
Variations of chocolate.
72. ARE YOU LAZY?
About equally yes and no.
73. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE COLORS?
Reds, yellow, maroon, plum, purple
74. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BAND?
I don't think I have one. I like Death Cab for Cutie, Azure Ray, Lifehouse (not the newest), Switchfoot, U2, R.E.M. and others......
75. HOW MANY WISDOM TEETH DO YOU HAVE?
None. I had two, but they were extracted.
76. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?
Whatever floats your boat.
77. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
The fridge.
78. LAST THING YOU ATE?
Starburst jellybeans (Target had about 10 aisles of Easter candy!)
79. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
Madeline.
80. WHATS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ON THE OPPOSITE SEX?
Eyes and smile (and the smile in their eyes)
81. FAVORITE THOUGHT PROVOKING SONG:
This week? Worlds Apart by Jars of Clay
82. FAVORITE THING TO HATE:
I like to mock more things than I actually hate. Reality shows would be one of those things.
83. FAVORITE DRINK:
Maximum Cactus smoothie from Xoom Juice
84. FAVORITE ZODIAC SIGN
No opinion. I'm a Scorpio.
85. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPORT?
Sports are natural selection in action.
86. WHAT IS YOUR HAIR COLOR?
Have we met? If not, why do you care?
87. EYE COLOR?
Ditto.
88. DO YOU WEAR GLASSES?
No, but I'm supposed to.
89. SIBLINGS?
Last I checked though I haven't heard from him since Christmas....
90. FAVORITE MONTH(s)
Well, April and October/November are usually the nicest here.
91. DO YOU LIKE SUSHI?
No, not even California rolls.
92. LAST THING YOU WATCHED?
24!!!!
93. FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR?
I suppose it depends on the year.
94. ARE YOU TOO SHY TO ASK SOMEONE OUT?
I never have asked anyone out, but I might (in a casual way) if I were really interested in someone.
95. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Fall.
96. KISSES OR HUGS?
There are not very many people who I would like to kiss me, so I guess I'll say hugs "from the general masses."
97. RELATIONSHIPS OR ONE-NIGHT STANDS?
One-night stands. Definitely. Avoid all entanglements. (If you don't know that I'm kidding, I doubt you belong on my blog.)
98. WHO IS THE MOST LIKELY TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?
No one.
99. WHO IS THE LEAST LIKELY TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?
Everyone.
100. Create your own question! Whoo!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ANIMAL?
Dolphin.
101. IS ANYONE IN LOVE WITH YOU?
Not that I know of.......
Monday, March 19, 2007
"Epic....spanning years and continents, lives ruined, bloodshed...."
Well, there's a good chance that Veronica Mars will not survive another season. (If it does, they're talking about fast-forwarding four years...'cause yeah, that worked so well for Alias. Do these people not learn from others' mistakes?!!) I feel somewhat ambivalent as I love the show...but am disappointed by this season's decline. At any rate, I've decided to dedicate this post to snark and banter from the first two seasons.
"It sounded like a falling body. It really freaked me out."
"Would you describe the sound as Hitchcockian?"
- Veronica, discussing the noises upstairs with Keith
"This is why I suggested attack dogs. But no, my mother wanted an alpaca."
- Logan, after Veronica visits him at home
"Look at you, all helpful."
"Hey, your peskiness being unleashed on Connor brings me joy. Annoy, tiny blonde one. Annoy like the wind!"
- Logan and Veronica
"Can you do me a weird favour without asking any questions?"
"Isn't that the bedrock upon which our friendship was founded?"
- Veronica and Wallace
"Well first, I'd just like to say the other, uh, nominees are all such wonderfully gifted criminals..."
- Logan, picked out at an identity parade
"It's not always easy doing the right thing."
"If that phrase isn't on the Mars family crest, it should be."
- Keith and Veronica
"Sorry to blow your mind, but I'm a lesbian, Veronica."
"Oh...well...that's cool."
"Only when you're in college."
- Kylie and Veronica
"So are you ready to be the bait, Corny?"
"Hell, yeah. No one's better. I'm what you'd call a 'master bait'."
- Veronica and Corny
"This serves as a pre-emptive apology for the conversation that's about to take place."
- Mac to Veronica
"Look up Eli Navarro. There's gotta be something outstanding we can book him on."
"Well, if I did it, it's outstanding."
- Sheriff Lamb and Weevil
"Veronica, I think that when you get out in the world a little more, you'll, you'll discover that not all well-dressed, articulate, detail-oriented men are gay. Many of them are just Asian."
- Mr. Wu
"It's a very powerful thing when someone sees you as the person that you wish you were."
- Aaron, about Lily
"Do you know how long I've wanted to go to Stanford?"
"Since middle school."
"Elementary, my dear Wallace... Do you have any idea how long I've waited to say that?"
- Veronica and Wallace
"It sounded like a falling body. It really freaked me out."
"Would you describe the sound as Hitchcockian?"
- Veronica, discussing the noises upstairs with Keith
"This is why I suggested attack dogs. But no, my mother wanted an alpaca."
- Logan, after Veronica visits him at home
"Look at you, all helpful."
"Hey, your peskiness being unleashed on Connor brings me joy. Annoy, tiny blonde one. Annoy like the wind!"
- Logan and Veronica
"Can you do me a weird favour without asking any questions?"
"Isn't that the bedrock upon which our friendship was founded?"
- Veronica and Wallace
"Well first, I'd just like to say the other, uh, nominees are all such wonderfully gifted criminals..."
- Logan, picked out at an identity parade
"It's not always easy doing the right thing."
"If that phrase isn't on the Mars family crest, it should be."
- Keith and Veronica
"Sorry to blow your mind, but I'm a lesbian, Veronica."
"Oh...well...that's cool."
"Only when you're in college."
- Kylie and Veronica
"So are you ready to be the bait, Corny?"
"Hell, yeah. No one's better. I'm what you'd call a 'master bait'."
- Veronica and Corny
"This serves as a pre-emptive apology for the conversation that's about to take place."
- Mac to Veronica
"Look up Eli Navarro. There's gotta be something outstanding we can book him on."
"Well, if I did it, it's outstanding."
- Sheriff Lamb and Weevil
"Veronica, I think that when you get out in the world a little more, you'll, you'll discover that not all well-dressed, articulate, detail-oriented men are gay. Many of them are just Asian."
- Mr. Wu
"It's a very powerful thing when someone sees you as the person that you wish you were."
- Aaron, about Lily
"Do you know how long I've wanted to go to Stanford?"
"Since middle school."
"Elementary, my dear Wallace... Do you have any idea how long I've waited to say that?"
- Veronica and Wallace
Friday, March 16, 2007
NCLB
Unfortunately, this is too true.... {sigh}
No Child Left Behind – The football version
1. All teams must make the state playoffs and all MUST win the championship. If a team does not win the championship, they will be on probation until they are the champions, and coaches will be held accountable. If after two years they have not won the championship their footballs and equipment will be taken away until they do win the championship.
2. All players will be expected to have the same football skills at the same time even if they do not have the same conditions or opportunities to practice on their own. NO exceptions will be made for lack of interest in football, a desire to perform athletically, or genetic abilities or disabilities of themselves or their parents. All players will play football at a proficient level!
3. Talented players will be asked to workout on their own, without instruction. This is because the coaches will be using all their instructional time with the athletes who aren't interested in football, have limited athletic ability or whose parents don't like football.
4. Games will be played year round but statistics will only be kept in the 4th, 8th and 11th game. It will create a New Age of Sports where every school is expected to have the same level of talent and all teams will reach the same minimum goals. If no team gets ahead, then no team gets left behind. If fans do not like this new law, they are encouraged to vote for vouchers and support private teams that can screen out the non-athletes and prevent their players from having to play with bad football players.
No Child Left Behind – The football version
1. All teams must make the state playoffs and all MUST win the championship. If a team does not win the championship, they will be on probation until they are the champions, and coaches will be held accountable. If after two years they have not won the championship their footballs and equipment will be taken away until they do win the championship.
2. All players will be expected to have the same football skills at the same time even if they do not have the same conditions or opportunities to practice on their own. NO exceptions will be made for lack of interest in football, a desire to perform athletically, or genetic abilities or disabilities of themselves or their parents. All players will play football at a proficient level!
3. Talented players will be asked to workout on their own, without instruction. This is because the coaches will be using all their instructional time with the athletes who aren't interested in football, have limited athletic ability or whose parents don't like football.
4. Games will be played year round but statistics will only be kept in the 4th, 8th and 11th game. It will create a New Age of Sports where every school is expected to have the same level of talent and all teams will reach the same minimum goals. If no team gets ahead, then no team gets left behind. If fans do not like this new law, they are encouraged to vote for vouchers and support private teams that can screen out the non-athletes and prevent their players from having to play with bad football players.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Maus and all our stories
On Friday, I finally received the purchase order I'd been waiting a l-o-n-g time for and went to Borders to pick up the graphic novels I'd ordered for the bibliophobic teens in the mentoring program (to try to coax them to read something). Not being a graphic novel reader myself, I had to rely on input from an educator who uses graphic novels in his teaching. Because of that, I took them all home this weekend to do a quick "content check."
I started with Maus: My Father Bleeds History by Art Spiegelman, winner of the 1992 Pulitzer Prize. In graphic novel format, Spiegelman tells the true story of his father, a Holocaust survivor, as well as the experience of interviewing his father for the book. "Quick content check" forgotten, I curled up by the window and read the whole book. It's fabulous. Raw and tragic? Yes...but also a story of survival...and relationships...and wit. I know there's at least one sequel so I'll have to find it. I think this is the first graphic novel I've ever read so don't let that stop you from reading Maus either.
Of course, I love reading memoirs, biographies, autobiographies. I like hearing other people's stories. Maybe that's one of the reasons I chose my profession. I think it's also one of the reasons I like Frederick Buechner's writings so much:
(BTW, if you're wondering about content in Maus, of course it contains "mature themes," as it is about the Holocaust. However, the deaths are depicted more symbolically than explicitly. I did use a black marker to censor a few swear words, two frames with bare breasts and a frame with someone cutting her wrist with a razor-- since this is middle school and cutting is an issue. There are also suicides...but again, this is all true so I don't expect the author to sanitize it to make it more palatable. I feel that this is a good book for the middle school students in the mentoring program to read with their mentors, who can answer questions and offer guidance. I wouldn't suggest it for kids younger than that.)
I started with Maus: My Father Bleeds History by Art Spiegelman, winner of the 1992 Pulitzer Prize. In graphic novel format, Spiegelman tells the true story of his father, a Holocaust survivor, as well as the experience of interviewing his father for the book. "Quick content check" forgotten, I curled up by the window and read the whole book. It's fabulous. Raw and tragic? Yes...but also a story of survival...and relationships...and wit. I know there's at least one sequel so I'll have to find it. I think this is the first graphic novel I've ever read so don't let that stop you from reading Maus either.
Of course, I love reading memoirs, biographies, autobiographies. I like hearing other people's stories. Maybe that's one of the reasons I chose my profession. I think it's also one of the reasons I like Frederick Buechner's writings so much:
But I talk about my life anyway because if, on the one hand, hardly anything could be less important, on the other hand, hardly anything could be more important. My story is important not because it is mine, God knows, but because if I tell it anything like right, the chances are you will recognize that in many ways it is also yours. Maybe nothing is more important than that we keep track, you and I, of these stories of who we are and where we have come from and the people we have met along the way because it is precisely through these stories in all their particularity, as I have long believed and often said, that God makes himself known to each of us most powerfully and personally. If this is true, it means that to lose track of our stories is to be profoundly impoverished not only humanly but also spiritually.
(BTW, if you're wondering about content in Maus, of course it contains "mature themes," as it is about the Holocaust. However, the deaths are depicted more symbolically than explicitly. I did use a black marker to censor a few swear words, two frames with bare breasts and a frame with someone cutting her wrist with a razor-- since this is middle school and cutting is an issue. There are also suicides...but again, this is all true so I don't expect the author to sanitize it to make it more palatable. I feel that this is a good book for the middle school students in the mentoring program to read with their mentors, who can answer questions and offer guidance. I wouldn't suggest it for kids younger than that.)
Friday, March 9, 2007
Whining
I would like to complain. Here are some of my complaints for today:
1. My foot hurts, and walking is painful. One of the little bones on the top of my foot may be broken. Probably not, but it really hurts. And it's swollen. And it feels like something's moving which feels quite creepy and unpleasant.
2. I am tired. I think I'm anemic. I feel nearly as tired as I did when I had mono, but I think mono is a one-time offer.
3. I still have the pinched nerve in my neck and flashing numbness in my thumb. My insurance won't cover an MRI.
4. What--am I 80?! I'm hobbling around like it.
5. My house is a mess. (Yes, this is my fault, but still....)
6. Everything today took much longer than it should have. Buying books for an afterschool program should not take three hours.
7. I can't find any grants suitable to the programs I'd like to see continue/ re-start.
8. Lost was really pointless this week.
9. Netflix didn't send me the DVD I wanted.
10. DDD hasn't called me back or e-mailed me back (but I think she reads this blog). I miss talking to her.
11. Trader Joe's was out of the ginger candy I like.
12. My neighbors are loud, and now that the weather is nice, they keep their windows open 24/7. Their living room window is about 5 feet from my bedroom window.
13. Veronica Mars is on a two month hiatus.
14. My two favorite pairs of shoes are falling apart. (I guess that's what happens when I wear them multiple times per week for several years.)
15. Pippin has been chewing her tail feathers again. She's in a nesting mode and chews holes in t-shirts or socks that I leave out and becomes very annoyed when I try to re-direct her.
Sigh.
(Yes, I know these are not big problems, but sometimes we all need to complain. At least this way, you have the choice of "listening" or not.)
1. My foot hurts, and walking is painful. One of the little bones on the top of my foot may be broken. Probably not, but it really hurts. And it's swollen. And it feels like something's moving which feels quite creepy and unpleasant.
2. I am tired. I think I'm anemic. I feel nearly as tired as I did when I had mono, but I think mono is a one-time offer.
3. I still have the pinched nerve in my neck and flashing numbness in my thumb. My insurance won't cover an MRI.
4. What--am I 80?! I'm hobbling around like it.
5. My house is a mess. (Yes, this is my fault, but still....)
6. Everything today took much longer than it should have. Buying books for an afterschool program should not take three hours.
7. I can't find any grants suitable to the programs I'd like to see continue/ re-start.
8. Lost was really pointless this week.
9. Netflix didn't send me the DVD I wanted.
10. DDD hasn't called me back or e-mailed me back (but I think she reads this blog). I miss talking to her.
11. Trader Joe's was out of the ginger candy I like.
12. My neighbors are loud, and now that the weather is nice, they keep their windows open 24/7. Their living room window is about 5 feet from my bedroom window.
13. Veronica Mars is on a two month hiatus.
14. My two favorite pairs of shoes are falling apart. (I guess that's what happens when I wear them multiple times per week for several years.)
15. Pippin has been chewing her tail feathers again. She's in a nesting mode and chews holes in t-shirts or socks that I leave out and becomes very annoyed when I try to re-direct her.
Sigh.
(Yes, I know these are not big problems, but sometimes we all need to complain. At least this way, you have the choice of "listening" or not.)
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Bug chasing (now I'm going to get some very interesting hits on my blog!)
I spent A-L-L day yesterday at a school social work conference, and even though I was suffering through a severe post-migraine haze, I was intrigued by a brief discussion of "bug chasers" during a workshop in teen substance abuse trends. (For those who don't know, bug chasers are gay men who actively seek HIV + status, or "seroconversion.") Although the speaker seemed to dismiss them as crazy, the more I started to think about it, the more it made sense to me, in terms of belonging and the general motivations behind self-injury. So...of course, I had to do some research, and I found this amazing article by Daniel Hill. It's informative, insightful and compassionate. If you are a mental health professional, medical professional, educator and/or gay/bi (or love someone who is gay/bi), I strongly encourage you to read it. (Also, keep in mind, it's not about "agreeing" with the behavior; it's about understanding the pain and motivations so that we can more effectively help. Bug chasing is not something that "safer sex" education or bucket-loads of condoms will help in the slightest.)
Anyway, read the article, rent Rent, cry...and then go do something productive.
Anyway, read the article, rent Rent, cry...and then go do something productive.
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