Date: 2010-01-10 22:15 Subject: Band Followup Security: Public

So, one of my habits that I'm trying to resurrect is writing handwritten notes to people.  I have WAY too many dear, dear friends and relatives battling cancer right now, so I sent them all a note of encouragement.

One of those dear people is my first principal.  She sucked me into teaching (when my mother didn't want me to - she worked at the same school and thought I'd embarrass her by not getting up to work on time...she had every reason to think so), and has been my best boss.  Ever.  Don't get me wrong, I've had some good bosses since.  Both of my current bosses (I think) respect what I do, and have my back. 

Still, this woman has a special and dear place in my heart.  Plus, she's one of my mother's dearest friends, and Mom doesn't open up to many people.  There's a long history, with many stories that I'm too tired to delve into (let's just say that I've experience more workplace stress than anyone should have to encounter, and I've worked primarily in places where we teach kids to love and respect each other -- wish adults could do the same). 

What does this have to do with my subject line?  This principal was chatting on the phone with my mom, as she does from time to time (more often later on, since she owns a condo 45 minutes away from my mom where she'll be moving when she retires soon).  She mentioned the sweet note I'd written, and then my mother tells her about my horrible band reviews. 

This principal knew me when I stuck to my high standards.  I wish I continued to do that, and I know I will revert to that.  I've begun to already with the students who's classes have started already.

This is what the principal wrote me, and I respect her opinion so much (she's now a superintendent over a district that spans 3-4 counties):  

Date: 2009-02-20 16:26 Subject: Sick, and sick of winter Security: Public

After dodging all sorts of illnesses (various students of mine have had the flu, strep, mono), and a good friend has bronchitis...I think I may be coming down with something.

Boo.

Hiss.

I am drowning myself in tea/honey, lemon juice, and have taken Zicam (have to wait another hour before I take the next one), and gargled with a 1:1 ration of liquid Benadryl/cherry Maalox.  That last bit I learned from an ER doc during my last trip to the ER (in 2004?) for an acute case of pharyngitis that was closing my throat and making breathing difficult.

Later I will take some chewable Benadryl and probably go to sleep.

We're supposed to get 3-5" of snow overnight.  Great - I have a musical rehearsal tomorrow morning at 9 a.m.  I may just walk to it.  Thankfully my instrument is already at the school so I don't have to carry it.  Wimp, you say?  How hard can it be to carry a FLUTE?  

I'm playing bari sax in "All Shook Up" (and Elvis-themed jukebox musical).  I haven't heard the entire show yet (probably should listen to the CD at some point, huh?), so I'm not too sure what sort of plot there is.  I know there's not much of a plot...

The lead is the older brother of one of my parochial school students.  Coincidentally (not really), she (as a 7th grader) has the lead in Annie with her school.  They do pretty good productions for grades 5-8.  This particular musical was picked with her in mind (she has naturally very curly red hair).  I think everyone knew beforehand who had the lead...

She's such a nice kid that only the truly small-minded and jealous are jealous of her.  There are a few...

My husband just got back with some lemonade for me, so I'm going down to meet him.  Love my husband :)

I've been upstairs on the computer lately, since my NEW laptop DIED and had to be sent back to the company under warranty.  It's been 2 weeks now and I'm dying...

Date: 2009-02-01 16:27 Subject: Getting Stuff Done Security: Public

We cleaned the house Friday night, since we were hosting the post-fish-fry party this week.  2 friends still hadn't seen our house yet (we'd seen theirs multiple times).  Luckily we DID get the Christmas tree down earlier that week, and packed up most of the decorations.

I even picked up the pine-needles (so many of them!) by hand, since the vacuum conked out.  M fixed it later that night, but I promised him I'd put away the ornaments and clean up the pine needles while he was at youth group.  I kept that promise, even if it meant getting sappy hands.

The music room is almost organized.  I'm working in 15 minute-shifts:  work (usually involving the computer), cleaning of some sort (including laundry), practicing, and playing on the computer.  It keeps me going, ADD-girl that I am.

After the party, during which I fell asleep around 10 with everyone still there, I realized how much having a kid would profoundly change our lives.  Yea, for the better, but unless I know to some degree what genetic makeup it has, I'm not sure I want to foster children.  Part of me does - living with people as cool as we are HAS to beat the foster system.  My hairdresser suggested fostering, and I poo-pooed the idea, saying that I had multiple friends/family members who had adopted foster children with horrific experiences.  Yes, they all said they couldn't imagine their lives without these children, but admitted that it was a daily struggle, even now that the children are grown (or in one case, dead). 

After my color had set (gotta cover that grey) and I went back to the chair for my trim, she mentioned that she was briefly a foster child.  I choked on  my foot.  Her mother left the state while she (the hairdresser) was visiting her dad.  Her dad was not in a position to raise a child on his own, so the state decided to take her.  She now has a good relationship with her dad and stepmother, who took her in once the situation allowed.  Her foster mother read at her wedding, and gave her a sixpence to place in her shoe.  I said that hers was an unusual story.  

We bond a lot - we both want to improve our working situation.  She wants to do more with training (she is currently the "education director" at this salon), and I'm not too sure what I want to do.  She had just started divorce proceedings when I had my first appointment.  Her ex is a band director, so she always asks me about my job, since she understands it so well. 

Saturday was spent getting my hair done (put it off for a LONG time - bad idea with my curls...set a standing appt. every 8 weeks this time), finishing the church bulletin, then doing some work and watching "Ed Wood."  M was at a dinner with a priest candidate - who is my age, and who is (along with his wife) a huge Buffy-head.  So cool.  He mentioned, to M - not the whole committee!, that they were in the middle of watching season 1 of Angel.  We're in the middle of season 2; we skipped season 1, since a former student of M's lent it to us a few years ago.

That former student, who was worried about my facebook update of "B is searching for a new dream," commented that message was scary.  M wanted me to reassure him that everything was fine with us.  So I sent him a message explaining why I needed a new dream.  The sweet kid told us not  to worry - when he was making the "big bucks" he'd take care of everything for us.  (He has been offered one full ride scholarship for law school, and has been accepted into some pretty prestigious programs.)  I played in an orchestra with him (his mother was the personnel manager), so M and I would go out to dinner with him after all our concerts.  

I keep meaning to get back to my knitting, but there it still sits.  I almost went to the yarn place (it's literally 1 block away from me) yesterday, but got caught up in work.  I have a student who has agreed to teach me some knitting techniques as barter for one half of her lessons.  I haven't taken her up on it yet.  I've also bartered with a parent to do hemming/alterations as payment for band tuition.  Haven't taken her up on that yet, either.  Gotta get on that.  Sigh.

I have been listening to the Russian Masters (Tchaikowky, Mussorgsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, Stravinsky) all afternoon as prep for the college band rehearsal.  Tomorrow will be the first time I can hear what it might sound like.  Attempting to run through it with 9 students was rough - not enough instrumentation, and the students' rhythm wasn't too hot.  Granted, it's hard since none of the percussionists are students.  One student is a returning business student, spent 2 years as a music ed major at Minnesota.   Great - another trombonist with confidence (I already have 2 trombonists with masters degrees in performance).   This one can actually play with sensitivity and nuance.  Cool.  

Both the students and the adults wanted harder music.  I'm giving it to 'em.  The students were actually EXCITED that I gave them scale sheets so they could learn new scales.  The nice thing is that I can get feedback, albeit a bit censored?  M told me that his students, many of who are in the band, were postively bubbling about last Monday's rehearsal.  They were SO excited about the prospect of being challenged.  That made me smile SO much! 

I think no matter what I end up doing during the day, I want to keep this gig as long as I can. 

OK.  My 15 minutes playing on the computer are long up.  Back to cleaning! 

Date: 2009-01-28 20:04 Subject: Life is Good Security: Public

Sometimes it takes a friend to put things in perspective.  Or at least to knock some sense into me.  "A snug house and a warm home" is indeed a wonderful dream...that I already have.  How lucky am I?!

I was listening halfheartedly to TV (while working at the computer) and heard an eHarmony commercial.  I already am married to "the one."  Cool!!

My dog was very, very sick today.  I had to clean up after him right after my last entry.  My husband said it was payback for typing "funny story" in reference to him cleaning up after teh dog.

I promise myself to cut down on my jobs next year and to enjoy life more.  I actually have good friends in town and I think I can have an awfully good life here...if I cut back.  Nine jobs is way too many for anyone. 

I am having fun with my "student-teaching" at the elementary music level.  Right now I am observing the teacher, to see what routines she has.  With K/1, you don't want to vary from routines.  You don't want to vary routines with ANY class for that matter.

That being said, I AM varying routines with the college band.  I met with just the adults 2 weeks ago for dinner, and felt pretty good about the ideas passed around.  They loved that I had a schedule already set for a rotation of sectionals, which reduces the amount of time for full-band rehearsal.  I do feel that this method will force us to work harder (less full-band time), but allow us to use the time more effectively to zero in on sectional problems and work them out there, rather than wasting the entire band's time. 

The students, with whom I met this week, actually seemed to be thrilled about getting scale sheets.  They said they wanted to learn their scales, but werent' too sure which notes went where.  I gave that to them.  I was amazed at the rapport that seemed to be struck.  I was worried about their reaction, since they do like the former director.  So do the community members, but those folks know that the former director is not a trained band director.  I don't have traditional training, but have picked up a lot over the years.

I am part of an academic community that seems to like me.  I feel all Sally Fields-y.


 

Date: 2009-01-27 23:16 Subject: In Search of a New Dream Security: Public

Well, my two main dreams (held at different points in my life) have been dashed.  I've dealt with never being able to survive as a professional flutist.  Sure, I make some nice "pin money" with my gigs, but not enough to feed a family of four.

Good thing that I will never have to feed a family of four (unless you count the pups, who surely DO count!). 

Another dream down the tubes.  We really can't afford the money (or the time at this point) to pursue fertility treatments anymore.  I was so excited - I ovulated for the last two months.  I know, more information than you wanted to know.  My vision has been blurry, I've had hot flashes, and am suffering from dizziness.  Sure signs of pregnancy, no?  Nope, just signs that my body is affected by the meds.

Last month I took it much harder.  Bawled.  (Then it was Christmas Eve - a much more emotional time for my family.)

Today, I taught lessons until 9 so really didn't have to deal with it.  Might shed a few tears, but have resigned myself to find a new dream.  A really grand one.  Celebrate the fact that I won't have to clean up vomit (other than Grendel's, and he's been good about that lately), change diapers (well, maybe except for my husband's in later years...), or pay for anyone else's college tuition except my own. 

So - any ideas for a new dream?  I need one.

Date: 2008-11-29 19:24 Subject: Old Inspiration Security: Public

I was thumbing through a Signals catalog today, looking for toys for my husband.  I think I may just go ahead and get him the jousting knights he's been asking for.  It eliminates any sort of surprise, but they'd sure be fun!!

They always have these sappy sayings on jewelry or plaques, but there was a bracelet with the Serenity Prayer engraved on it.  It was a nice reminder of one of my favorite prayers, and just a good saying.

Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.

My maternal grandmother (Gramma) gave me a framed version of that prayer when I was 10, and it hung on the wall of any room of any abode in which I've lived since. 

I just needed to be reminded to pray for that wisdom!!!

Date: 2008-11-18 23:02 Subject: Another Month Security: Public

Yeah, pretty sure I'm not with child.  No fertility drugs this month, since the doctor's office screwed up...a lot.  They didn't return my refill/meds query phone calls until it was too late for this month.  Understanding as I am, I knew that the doc had to take vacation SOMETIME, but golly, his nurse should at least fu$*%)@ return phone calls during that time.  Even the staff I reached were pretty upset that she hadn't, since it was logged that I called 4 days in a row (before it would have been too late).

It doesn't help that the nurse (who I really do like) has the same name (spelled the REAL way, not as in the OTHER way) as my husband's last wife...  le sigh.

So, why the post?  My last close friend from high school who was childless has just let me know that she's half-way due.  I sincerely hope the best for her, even though we have our differences.  She's not the nicest person in the bunch, and she's well aware of that.  Still, she's survived thyroid cancer (while her mother, AND mine, were battling breast cancer).   Hers is a very high risk pregnancy (as mine would be if I were ever to be in such a state), and I wish her the best. 

None of my close hs friends have had an easy go of this kid thing.  My closest friend was infertile and had to pay dearly for her first two kids (and the third just happened for free).  They're not an easy bunch...maybe the "free" one will be easier?  I dunno.  I really feel for her, since I know she really tries hard to be a good parent (knows about setting boundaries and all that).  Still, it's very much of an uphill battle for her.  Another good friend has has medical issues with both kids.  Well, I didn't have very many close hs friends.  That's about it.

Then again, none of my dearest college friends have kids, or are on their way to having any.  Maybe it has something to be with getting a music degree from Notre Dame?  My one friend who was a music major, who has 2 kids, never was actually granted the major from the college (which is a joke, since she ended up getting her masters in liturgical music from a well-respected school, and is now the music director at a cathedral in the same town as our college....). 
 
On the bright side, we have a rather large cohort of local, intelligent friends who don't have kdis or plan on having them.  I guess I am lucky in that I haven't predicated my whole life on having offspring.  It's what I learned from my mother, but I also learned to be fiercely independent from my parents.  I didn't need marriage, or kids.  The marriage thing has been WONDERFUL, and in many ways I think my marriage far more blessed than my child-laden friends. (Even without their kids....my marriage ROCKS.  Really, really, ROCKS.)   I NEVER saw myself as marriage material, but fell into it quite unexpectedly and it has been the absolute best thing, ever.

My husband has a story about God telling us to forgo Oreo cookies, that he has a great Tollhouse cookie cooking for us... if we just wait.  That's what it was like waiting for him.  Sure, I've met some Oreos (and let's face it, some Hydrox....), but the Tollhouse (or my special brand of dark-chocolate chip cookie...) is worth the wait. 

So, if we don't have a kid...Switzerland and a huge Hemingway Conference party are awaiting us in 2010. 

Life happens.  I trust in fate, God, or my own ability to DEAL.

Date: 2008-11-04 11:10 Subject: Headlamp - Yipee Security: Public Mood: ecstatic Tags: running

My headlamp (so I can relatively safely run in low-light conditions) just arrived.  Yipee!  I already jog with a flashlight and a flashing red light clipped onto me (and light clothing).  Now I can ditch the flashlight. 

My waist-leash came last week.  It's SO nice to be able to jog with Grendel and not gripe about the retractable leash being so heavy.  Hands-free....except when there's some traffic around.  He stays close to my side normally, but I don't want to take any chances...so I hold the leash short when there's stuff around.

The waist-pack even comes with a foldable fabric (nylon-waterproof) waterbowl in case I ever get up to going on really long runs that would require hydration for both pup and me.

So excited!!

Hmmm...I should add a pic of Grendel for my profie, I think.  He's really starting to get fluffy (even fluffier than Logan, I think).

Date: 2008-11-04 10:34 Subject: Running, Weather, and Voting Security: Public Mood: bouncy Tags: running

I actually got my tail out of bed at 5:50 this morning to run 5K.  The leader of our local running club marked out the 5K route for an upcoming local race and asked some of us to run it so she can get feedback on its clarity and difficulty.  As has been the case for the last few "group" runs, I was the only other person to show up.  I asked this time to just jog on my own, since she goes much faster than I do and I didn't want to hold her up.  She let me go first, and then waited a while before she started.  After 12 minutes, she passed me...

Still, the only time I walked was up a very steep hill.  I'm hoping in the next couple weeks to build up enough strength to be able to take that hill without walking. 

I'm liking the running club, since I'm learning new routes around town.  Plus, I AM getting moderately faster and am able to put more time in without stopping.  So, I jogged 3.2 miles today, and walked maybe .05 miles of it.  It took me 42 minutes. 

Oh, the weather outside is WONDERFUL.  It was 65 during the run, and now it's 70.  Bee-yoo-tiful, and cruel, since in but a few days....snow (again).  I just want to go outside and play.  But, flute lessons tonight, and a full schedule with only one break from 4-9 (break's at 4:30, I shall enjoy it).  I don't think my neighbors would appreciate outside flute lessons...

The new laptop is finally working great.  With the slight angle of the laptop stand, I can read the keys.  Not that I need to much, but sometimes it's helpful.  (The keys are rather coppery, with white lettering...when it's flat, it's almost impossible to read).  Still, it's a great, fast, little computer that is a huge improvement over the last one that died.  I haven't tested out my external speakers on it yet; the laptop speakers are decent (and pretty good, considering they're laptop speakers).

So much to add and play with, and no time right now.  Back to studying, and in 20 minutes, stand in line with my husband to cast our votes.  I hope we beat the lunch rush.  I am a bit bummed that I don't get to watch election coverage tonight until 9. 

I hope everyone's weather is as glorious as ours is.  It's weird to see so many bare trees with warm weather!

Date: 2008-10-23 20:23 Subject: Low Carbing It Security: Public Mood: determined Tags: diet

Once again, I'm trying the low-carb thing.  I figure if I can quit Diet Coke, I can do ANYTHING.  It takes more work to prepare all this protein, but today was a good day in that regard.  Let's see how long I can do this...

Some other LJ friends have had problems with their profile pics, and my Corky @ Stonehenge pic was replaced by something really weird.  I can't figure it out.  Something's wrong here. 

So, here's a picture of the bun at the gorge in Ronda. 

I must go back and start my 2nd paper (unofficially due last Friday on my self-imposed deadline schedule).  I'd like to get it done, so I can enjoy the weekend and begin work on the 3rd paper with a clear conscience.  

I never really thought about the word conscience before.  What a lovely word:  con - science - with knowledge.  I love words!!

Date: 2008-10-15 21:57 Subject: Another Job... Security: Public

I know, I know.  ANOTHER JOB?!  Erk.  But, I'm not giving up THAT much more time to do it.  I already give up my Monday nights to play in campus/community band.  I found out that they will be offering me the job as band director for the spring semester and beyond.  My husband first let me know that he heard that "a petite brunette that he knew well" will likely be offered the job, and then I went running with his boss, the associate dean.

With the soon-to-be-job-offer in mind, I didn't get too upset that a 60-year-old can outrun me by an amazing amount,  He did circle back and slowed down for me and encouraged me, saying that brisk walking was just as good health-wise as running fast. 

Another person in town, with the same first name as mine, organized a running club for adults.  I had been wishing for such a thing, since I enjoyed the one that was in my last city.  We had 4 people show up, including the organizer.  I was by far the slowest - I knew that the pace they were keeping was way beyond me, but I tried to keep a moderate distance.  Even that was too much.  However, I'd walk a bit, and then start up again.  If I had kept to what I KNEW was my pace, I would have been able to run the whole time (albeit at a slower pace).  It was only a 2-mile run, but my lungs couldn't take it.  It was frustrating, since my legs were FINE, it was just my lungs not wanting to suck in more of that cold air so quickly.

Back to the job thingy.  I'm excited that I get to work with a college-level band.  Granted, they're a group of kids that didn't go to a 4-year-college, and there is still such a stigma against 2-years that your best students almost always go to a 4-year (or more).  After teaching flute at a 2-year (which now offers a few 4-year degrees) and seeing the system here, I greatly prefer the 2-year system.  I wish I had done it myself (the 2-year closest to my town had an AMAZING music program...which is why I was happy to teach flute with that program a few years after college graduation).

Of course, the drawback is that one of the trombonists in the group is the first and longest-running band director (retired now) on this campus.  The rehearsal hall is named after him!  He's also quite a character!  It will just be a bit nerve-wracking, but I know he'll be very supportive, even if he'll miss having me in the flute section. 

I've been playing a lot more lately.  With all these extra part-time jobs...I might be able to quit the public school teaching thing.  Then again, I've worked so hard to get my certification...  but I do think I can make a meager living as a flutist.  I'll have to really think about what I want out of life. 

Life is good here.  We have a decent house, food on our table, transportation, clothing...  if we could just be content with that, we're set.  It's the craving for international travel and technology that sinks us.  A very poor band student (and youth group kid from church) of mine happened to be walking down our street when I was walking from my car to our house.  He said breathlessly, "You LIVE here?!  In THIS house?!"  He then marvelled at the outside.  This is a kid with almost no means, but perhaps one of the sweetest kids at our church.  Our house looks bigger than it is, since it's on an absurdly small lot (it doesn't even qualify as an actual lot...).  I felt pretty thankful for what I had at that moment.

In my mind, I have a 5-year plan of working full-time as a band director, while maintaining some of my other part-time jobs (at least one will have to go by the wayside).  Then I think I'll have the funds, and the ability, to get my doctorate.  That will be around the time the current music professor at the college might retire. 

Plans, I have plans!

Date: 2008-10-07 18:59 Subject: Addiction is Gone! Security: Public

I am no longer addicted to Diet Coke.  It's been a week, and I have NO cravings.  None.  I actually haven't had caffeine in 2 days (because I get up too late to make my tea).

My teeth are thanking me, as is my wallet.

Date: 2008-10-01 17:39 Subject: 2nd Day without Diet Coke Security: Public

I'm almost done with my second day in a row without Diet Coke.  (My new dentist chewed me out for drinking it.)  I'm still going through some caffeine withdrawal, but am drinking tea to ease me through it.  Tea's not perfect for your teeth, but it doesn't have the acid that soda or coffee do. 

I have started saving now for a full-mouth reconstruction.  I've known since I was 8 that I would eventually have to get that done.  When I get a full-time job (the other music teachers in the district are trying to figure out a proposal to present to the administration to find a way to hire me full-time next year -- since I'll be certified as an instrumental music teacher AND a general music teacher, it is entirely possible), it would probably only take a couple years to save.  Hopefully my teeth will hold out until then.

I'll also look out-of-district (since districts up here are primarily one-per-town, rather than the county system Florida uses.

I miss the carbonation, but I know kicking the habit is worth it.  Unfortunately, I am running out of local honey and our supplier doesn't go to our church anymore.  Maybe the farmer's market will have some (and maybe the farmer's market is still going on...I dunno).

Now to drink a little more tea to try to stave off those caffeine-withdrawal headaches. 

Date: 2008-09-17 22:57 Subject: Grrr.argh Security: Public

Something about halfway to happyland.  I'm not going to continue the meme.

Date: 2008-09-10 22:02 Subject: (no subject) Security: Public

kittykatkatja tagged me, so I must do this.  The blogger gods force me to.

* Each blogger starts with ten random facts/habits about themselves. * Bloggers that are tagged need to write on their own blog about their ten things and post these rules. * At the end of your blog, you need to choose ten people to get tagged and list their names.

1.  I have a "son" named Corkiljik (Corky), who was the ring-bearer at my sister's wedding, and he holds degrees from both the University of Notre Dame and the University of South Florida.  He has a master's degree, along with a charming dialect.  (I don't like the phrase "speech impediment.")

2.  I have an addictive personality - practiced flute for up to 8 hours a day in high school and college (and have a disfigured left index finger to show for it).

3.  I don't finish things I star

4.  I have an auditory processing disorder...not good for a musican/band director.

5.  I have a little dog named Grendel who is the joy of my life (second to my husband, but he doesn't bark as much).

5.  I prefer to drive manual transmission.

6.  I used to be a size 0.  Now I'm not.  At all.  But I'm running again and feel good about that.

7.  I am disturbed at how much my sister and I are alike, yet we think we're so different.

8.  I am terrified of meeting new people, but usually warm up to it.  Slowly.

9.  I am horribly disorganized in my opinion, but get compliments daily about my organizational skills.  Man, those people must be a MESS!!

10.  See # 3 (courtesy of Kat).
 
I can't tag 10 people.  Sorry.  Most of my other friends are on Facebook, not LJ.

kittykatkatja 
dragonbane 
bijili 
lady_o_the_lake 
tatterdamelion 
cardinalximinez 
tealfroglette 

Date: 2008-09-09 21:58 Subject: Teachery Stuff and Frenchmen Security: Public Location: Home - can't blog from work!! Music: National Emblem March & Space Badgers Tags: church, teaching

I'm supposed to reflect on my teaching experiences (to get my certification...boy, do I have a lot to reflect upon over the last 10 years).

Here's something for today that may make you smile or smirk, depending on your inclination.

While walking through the deserted hallway (classes had already passed), I crossed paths a young middle-school-aged boy was on his way toward one of the special education rooms.  I smiled, and he smiled back and chirped "Hello!"  I responded in kind, and he beamed (really) and said, "Jesus loves you!"

I can honestly say that was one of the few times someone's said that where I haven't rolled my eyes or wanted to flee.  He wasn't trying to save me from the fires of hell, or get me to join his congregation.  I think he actually meant it. 

My husband said that reminded him of what our supply priest (we don't have a pastor or even a priest-in-charge yet) said last Sunday, that we are called to be like the children who are still (mostly) humble and sincere.  Well, there was some sort of Biblical reading to that effect (I don't remember which one -- remember, I started out rather late as a Roman Catholic, and am now an Episcopalian...we can't quote chapter and verse!). 

I really like this supply priest, and am glad that he'll be with us for most Sundays through the beginning of January.  Too bad he's retired and lives an hour away.  He's quite intelligent and sincere, and his sermons are thoughtful (and are linked to the readings/literature, and are ORGANIZED)...but they carefully don't go over most people's heads.  I'm sure there are a few in the congregation who can't process anything, but even I can really get into his sermons.  I am SO not an auditory processor, so I usually zone out during any sort of spoken lecture. 

Oh, for the Frenchmen (or man) story, go the The Flexible Generalist on blogger.com.  I think I have it linked...  Good stuff.  Entertained us on Sunday.  Still need a new corkscrew.  Maybe a rabbit (I'm fond of rabbits)?

Date: 2008-09-06 22:33 Subject: 100 Things to Eat Before You Die Security: Public Mood: contemplative Tags: food

I was pleased, as a formerly picky eater, to note that I have eaten many of the things on the list of 100 things to eat before you die.

Most of these are directly a result of having met my husband.  (In fact, I think ALL of them are.)

100.  Venison
OK, this is one that I've had pre-marriage.  I was around 6 years old, living in NJ.  Smoked venison was sooooo good.  I'm sure living in a place where parent-teacher conferences/school days off are planned around the first day of hunting season...I'll eventually get some more.

98.  Huevos ranchers
Yum.  One of our friends works for a food service company (training restaurants in how to prepare the foods they offer), and used to run a Mexican restaurant.  A VERY good friend to have...and his huevos rancheros have completely spoiled me.  I don't think I will ever have any others.

96.  Crocodile
I've had croc nuggets - tastes like chicken, really.

95.  Black pudding (sausages in England) - didn't like it. 

94.  Cheese fondue
Yum.  Unhealthy, but yum.

91.  Baba ghanoush
Served at a local church's dinner theater.  The entertainment was good, and the food was excellent.

90.  Calamari
I've only had Carrabba's, so I'm sure there's better out there (less chain foody).

88.  PB&J Sandwich
I've had a few, but prefer toated peanut butter & bacon sandwich.

86.  Hot dog from a street cart
From Philadelphia and NYC

83.  Fruit wine from something other than grapes
Yep, and still prefer the real stuff.

81.  Pistachio ice cream
Didn't think I'd like it, but it's quite good!!

78.  Foie gras
It was delicious, and was part of a fixed menu at a conference luncheon.  Had I'd known that the animals were force-fed...I would not have partaken.  I'm not an animal rights activist (many of my friends are), but the idea of force-feeding an animal to fatten it up...ick.

77.  Rice and beans
Mmmm....black beans and rice from The Columbia Restaurant.  Red rice and beans in Louisiana.  Mmmmm.

74.  Dulce la leche
Heaven.  Really.  I'm still searching for the perfect version.

I will never eat oysters.  Way too dangerous and frankly slimy.

72.  Baklava
Finally went to a Greek restaurant while living in Tampa.  I should have gone more often - there's no Greek restaurant up here.

66.  Root beer float
Brown cow!  Brown cow!  It's not a regular thing, but a really nice once-every-few-years treat. 

65.  Cognac and a fat cigar
I don't do this anymore, but did at one point about once every couple months. 

64.  Clotted cream tea
Oxford, England ... yum

63.  Jello shots
I am a bit concerned that this would be on anyone's list, but yes, once, with my Olive Garden buddies.

62.  Gumbo
March 1995, New Orleans, homemade.  Fun trip, underwritten by my college band. 

61.  Oxtail
Same trip as the foie gras conference.  Those Hemingway folks know how to throw a party.  It's not a dish I'd seek out again, unless it was guaranteed tender.  Some parts were, but some were too tough.

57.  Goat's milk
Weird.  But somewhat refreshing.

56.  Single malt whiskey
A few times, but it's a little strong for me. 

54.  Chicken tikka masala
In Tampa.  The world expert on monsters, who briefly sat next to me at the table, almost was hospitalized from heat stroke from the un-airconditioned restaurant.  Indian food probably didn't help.

52.  Krispy kreme donut
Hunitington, West Virginia - my first Krispy Kreme donut, paid for by our section leader's "tire pool" winnings (another band trip underwritten by the band).  Then I passed a Krispy Kreme on the way to work for a few years...every kid's birthday party involved donuts.  I soon grew to despise the sticky things, and gave them away to other students.

I've never had a McDonald's Big Mac meal, and don't plan to.  It's akin to waterboarding.

41.  Carob chips
Oh, that's SO 1980s.  Frozen yogurt with carob chips...

40.  S'mores
Is there anyone in America who hasn't had these? 

34.  Beignets, churros
Both.  My first beignet was on the same New Orleans trip as the gumbo.  A group of us had gone to the House of Blues and were treated to an amazing jazz show (and yes, all 3 of us 21-year-olds were carded for an 18+ event).  Then, at 2 a.m., trudged through the pouring rain (no umbrellas) to meet up with some other friends (who had partaken in some more unsavory entertainment) at Cafe du Monde.  The combination of the adrenaline from the amazing concert, the coffee warming our chilled bones, the gentle sweetness of the beignets, and the camaraderie places this in one of my favorite memories.  The next beignet was brought to me by a student who was giving a presentation on New Orleans jazz (her father was on a trip there, and brought them back -- day-old beignets are better than none).  I had many churros in Spain.  No cool story, sorry.

I'll never have haggis, but my husband has.  Twice.  He liked it once, and spit it out the other time. 

32.  Fried plantain
Growing up in southern Florida...these are like Pixie sticks.

30.  Gazpacho
In Spain - it was a nice treat to cool off during the hot summer.

29.  Caviar
Bern's Steakhouse and the restaurant at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.  Delicious.  My husband and I thank you, Sean.  Mandalay Bay served their Beluga caviar with six-times-distilled vodka. 

28.  Louche absinthe
Once.  Not a fan of licorice, so not a fan of this. 

13.  Flowers
I ate quite a few chrysthanthemums in high school.  I seem to remember doing so to make a point.  They were quite sweet, but I've never been an aesthetic fan of the flower.

9.  Soft shell crab
Tasty.  We don't get them up here!!

7.  Catfish
Many, many times.  I used to think you couldn't eat them, but I have often.

6.  Mole poblano
My husband's dissertation director said this is the mark of a good Mexican/Spanish restaurant.  Chocolate AND Mexican food?!  Sounds good to me!!

5.  Bagel and lox
NYC

That's it.  Frankly, after reading the rest of the list, there are only a few things left (on this particular list) that I want to try.  It's been a culinarily adventurous 6 years!!

What have YOU tried?

Date: 2008-08-25 21:29 Subject: Running Security: Public Tags: running

So I've gotten back into running, mostly to save my sanity.  It's been 3 weeks, and I've "religiously" gone through my beginner's training schedule every other day.  I'm now up to jogging in 5 minute spurts, with 1.5 minutes of walking in between.  So far, no injuries.  Usually when I get to this point, I get addicted and run every day, and run too much...get injured, and have to stop.

In the beginning, the hardest thing to do is to rein in and not go overboard.

I jog while listening alternately to Class A flute solos and _Pillars of the Earth._

It keeps me going. 

Date: 2008-08-16 22:58 Subject: New Mentor Security: Public Mood: surprised Tags: teaching

In addition to getting a new mentor at my school, I have switched professors for my alternative certification program.  I wrote the wrong date down for my normally scheduled monthly class/location, and had to take the other professor's class about 3.5 hours away this weekend.

Right away I was relieved and excited about the dynamic and effusive instructional style.

Then I asked a question about driving license laws in this state, since they were suspended for hs dropouts until the age of 18 in the state where I grew up.

The professor looked interested and said, "I lived there for 20 years!"  Being polite, I countered with "Oh really?  Where?"  NO ONE is EVER from my town.  EVER.  Especially not over 2000 miles away...

Sho' 'nuff, she taught at MY MIDDLE SCHOOL!  She had already left to teach at the "new" high school in town by the time I got to the middle school, but she taught my sister kittykatkatja 7th grade social studies.

She was the hero in the situation where a kid accidentally set a gun off in the classroom, with the bullet shooting over where one of the other teachers (it was one of those HORRID "open classroom" setups with 4 classes going on at the same time in a huge room) normally sat, went through the wall...into my sister's classroom.  I vaguely remember that story (I was in 2nd grade at the time).

Why the hero?  She got the kid out of the classroom after he started waving the pistol around, telling people to leave him alone (after putting the gun to another girl's head).  He ran away, she followed at a distance (after instructing students to alert the administrators).  She followed him to the pond outside of the school - pretty far from the buildings.  It got to the point where he was threatening to shoot himself (at this point she still thought it was just a cap gun - the initial shot in the classroom sounded so quiet in the din of 100 students in one room).  She didn't advance, but sat down on the grass a distance away, still trying to calm him down.  He apparently was a diabetic and she understood what drastic changes in blood sugar could do to someone.

He then shot himself in the stomach.  She carried him back to the school since no one had come to hear assistance, with the intent to get him to the hospital (which was within walking distance).  An ambulance did arrive.

She then returned to the classroom (with blood still on her clothes) to reassure her panic-stricken class that everything was now under control and no one died.  To have that strength to know that you needed to go back to reassure 11-year-olds is amazing. 

While it seems scary to follow a gun-wielding middle-schooler, this was before intercom systems in every room.  She had to follow him to make sure he didn't put any other students in danger, and she was concerned about his safety as well. 

I don't know if I could act in that way. 

Anyway, we had a grand time discussing the teachers we knew in common.  One of my favorite math teachers and his wife are very good friends with this woman, and were visiting 2 months ago.  She was sad that I wasn't in her class at the beginning of the semester, otherwise she would have arranged for me to visit her on her lake home in a neighboring state at the same time.  She extended a standing invitation to my husband and me to visit that glorious lake home (she showed up pictures...WOW...I think I want to become a superintendent to make that kind of dough).  She still keeps in touch with the middle school social studies teacher that both my sister and I had (I had her for science as well). 

If you told me when I was in 7th grade that I'd be tickled to make a connection and friendship with a teacher from that school, I would have SO rolled my eyes!!!