Snow again!

Ok, I'm ready for it to stop now. I really want spring to come so I can really enjoy where I live. Plus, it's March. I probably shouldn't be that surprised.... my sister was born in March and there was a blizzard!

Started reading the autobiography of Ghandi. Read about him in history books (always about a paragraph long) and I thought it was time to sink into 505 pages of his own words. I like his prologue. He didn't like the idea of writing about himself, he wanted to stay humble. But he did write. Impressive, really. I'm glad he choose to do it. Because we can all benefit.

What else...... umm I miss green chili. A lot.

The breaking point

It's over. It's all going to be over on Wednesday. The queen bee...........buzz..buzz....buzz.. is leaving!

After a horrible week, the week that broke me down into a ball of tissues and a river of tears, is over. I exaggerated a bit, of course I didn't turn into those things.... but, I did use a lot of tissues and I probably could have filled a very large aquarium. But as my friend Amy says, "The universe puts out there only what you can handle." Well, obviously that's about all I can handle.

So lets get on with better and brighter, shall we? I've been ready since the beginning of the school year!

Huh?

Reframe = to frame again
Refrain= to hold back

Note to people who have to tell other people not to do certain things, these words are not interchangeable.

Bring lots of tissues

Jona-- look out for this one.

http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/reignoverme/

Let it snow, let it snow.

I wish the weather forecast would have predicted this. If I had known, I would have gone to the grocery store yesterday while it was sunny! Oh well, I'll take it. Most likely I won't even have school tomorrow if this keeps going. And I don't mind that one bit. Especially with the ice layer underneath the white fluffy stuff. Let it snow.

The Risotto makes it ok.

I think maybe plan B is now in order (if only I knew what that was). People left and right of me at work are throwing out harassment charges, personal issues, and all that. What about the students? People are acting like they're in ...oh.... I don't know 7th grade! And here I am again, Friday, exhausted from the week's events, and counting down the time I'm going to have to spend with all of these people. It's not everyone I work with, and it's mostly the disappointment I feel about all the situations that are occurring. Obviously the interview was a tell-tale sign of what was to come this year.

Ok- well, enough. I don't want to spend my off time thinking about it. But I do think it's time for me to pull out the comfort food... that's right... my all time favorite... Risotto..........ahhh, yum, warm goodness. And a nice HUGE glass of wine. That's an excellent start to the weekend.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHH

Yep. It's been that kind of day. But, on the bright side of life, it's Wednesday, it was sunny, and "Lost" will be on this evening (which will in turn render creepy dreams).

Half day wasted.....again

Today we were told that the mayor of Alexandria was coming to speak to the students today. The time would be 1 pm. 45 minutes later, he still hadn't shown up. Students were sitting on the bleachers for a long time, we got up ourselves and went back to our classrooms. Finally, he arrived, gave his little speech (which was pointless by the way), and then left. What a waste.

This man says the same thing every time he opens his mouth. I've met him a few times in the last 3 years, and each time is a disappointment. Oh well, I don't know him personally. Maybe speaking in public is not his strong suit. However, he's a public figure and it's part of the job.

Anywho-

Ich bin so traurig...

No dice on "The Shins"... I never thought they'd sell out so soon.. sorry Trixie.. Maybe on the next tour.... Bummer...............

I'm so sad.

President's Day

So, first this was what we were told:

Half a day off, released at 11 am...
Then it was no,...
Half day off, released at 12 pm......
Then it was no...........
You work the full day.
Then today it was no...
Half day leave at 12:30 pm.

TECHNICALLY it's not even a half day, but really, the people who I work with are crazy! How could someone mess this up so badly? I don't get it.

Anyway, I'm happy. I thought I was supposed to work a full day today, and I didn't So that's fine. Too bad we didn't have the full day off because the City of Alexandria has a parade. Not that I'd go to it, but it makes parking unbearable. And, school buses can't go down certain streets.

Apparently, the city said to the school district --hey, we're having the parade at this time-- to the superintendent, and then it was the superintendent's choice to have school or not. She choose for the schools to be open a 1/2 day for whatever reason. Then the city said-- fine but by the way all these streets will be closed at such and such time.. HA!

Alexandria is just one of those places that just becomes more interesting by the moment. One hand doesn't know what the other hand is doing. There's tons of fraud, waste, and abuse of the system. You can clearly see it where I work. Everyone who is from here, stays here and you always seem to easily run into someone who works in the schools, and is related to someone who probably put them in that job in the first place.

Frustrating.

The best day to watch TMC

Singin' in the Rain and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.....

WOW!

Some of you may know that I love old musicals.. and these just happen to be 2 of my favorite.

"Bless your beautiful hide, wherever you may be....I don't know your name but I'm stakin' my claim"

They sure don't make 'em like that anymore....

Oh and this made my day today

http://theshins.ducatking.com/choose.php?lid=10344

What do you want to get back?

It seems as if the people I work with don't understand the concept of Karma. I don't know. There's lots of names for it, just choose the one you want to use...

Anyway, I would have to say that today was one of the worst days I've had at work (with adults not kids). There was grief about all kinds of things. Things that don't even matter, petty things, things that have NOTHING to do with the kids we're teaching and what they might need from us.

On top of that I was brought in for questioning.... about someone else's problem. I guess I was being used as a witness... maybe? I don't know. I didn't have a problem with that because I don't lie. I'll say whatever I need to say from my point of view.... The problem with this whole questioning thing were the questions that I was being asked. The questions didn't allow me to answer them with complete honesty or the chance to elaborate.

I just have to keep the kids in mind, because some of them are great people. I was talking to this kid today-- family is from Morocco, he's been a few times himself. I told him that I lived in Egypt. He was amazed that I had gone there by myself and that I actually new a few words in Arabic. We had this whole connection going on. It was great. He talked about learning Arabic again. He leaves today. I told him I was glad, and that I never wanted to see him again.. I always say that, it's a good thing. I told him he should really consider trying to learn Arabic again and take some classes, it would make him an extremely marketable person in this day. He could work in his home country if he wanted, do business and travel. He seemed really happy that I was interested in him genuinely. It was a great exchange and was the best part of my entire day.

That's what matters. So now that I'm decompressing from my Friday that seemed so hellish, it wasn't. The extra negative stuff was just unnecessary and I just need to keep it that way. I'm there to teach those kids what I know. If we connect in some way, that's great. It's not going to happen with every kid. I even had a student say he wanted to be an Art teacher this week. I was shocked! I was so happy! Can you imagine a 16-year old boy saying he wants to be what you are? And he means it.

So to everyone out there, put out there what you want to get back.

Happiness is my new couch!!

Yes! It's finally here! Happy Valentine's day to me!! I love the couch! It figures that I lived in a room full of green the first 4 months I got back to the US and now I have a green couch. Of course, nothing else is really green, but that's just fine with me.

So now I can hang some more stuff up and it will start feeling like a home instead of a place that I'm living in for the moment..... So happy, so excited.

In other news.... I got snubbed by my principal today. Big surprise. I was trying to be courteous to tell her a couple of things and she just blew me off...right in front of another teacher. I guess she was having a rough moment. She pretended like we didn't even exist. Just blew right past us, how professional.

Even if she hates my white-ass she should be professional. I don't hate... I regulate...word.

But back to my couch, I got lots of love for that joint. It's off the chain. For reals. I don't know why I just turned all gangsta.... work is rubbing off on me. Although my sister and I continue to claim that we're from the streets... ya heard?

Ice Ice Baby!

Yes! A day off! I'm so happy! It's better than calling in sick. It's the perfect scenario. Unfortunately, this may mean that we have to make it up later on. I don't think we have any built in days. But I tell you, this is just what I needed today. It's the best Valentine's Day EVER! No kidding.

I haven't even gotten out of my pajamas, but I've gotten a lot done. I slept in, I made a latte and ate a leisurely breakfast, made a cake, started some sort of drawing, cleaned a little, took out the trash, ate lunch, and even tried to listen to "W" speak (although I hated every moment of it, I can't stand to look or listen to him, and from now on I'm going to have to look for the transcripts of any of his speeches on line for the rest of his time in office... which by the way is going to be stormy by the sounds of it.... and the hair keeps growing). There's also been some internet using, and tv watching...

It's been like a mini vacation. I've been thinking about going out and walking around a bit. But, I'm in no rush. Ahhh, this should be prescribed.

Finally!

It's only been since 2003 since there has been some issues with North Korea. There are these talks going on....humm.........empty promises.

I feel like being a politician is a lot like being a teacher. And North Korea is like the kid that is trying to pull the wool over your eyes. The student agrees with you, shows a bit of improvement just so you'll get off their back. Depending on what kind of teacher you are depends on where they'll go next...

To me North Korea is a scary place, and the current administration has swept the entire situation under the rug in lieu of the Mideast crap.

We'll see what develops, won't we?

In other news: There's freezing rain, will it be enough to at least let us go late tomorrow (at least)? Only the superintendent knows for sure. Maybe she'll have a nice glass of wine, settle in for the night and make that all important phone call. PLEASE!

Would you?

Would you pay to see "The Police" in concert?

And I know how some of you feel about Sting... but give the band a break.

I would go see them. I was too young the first time. If they're going to pass through here, I want to go.. WHO'S WITH ME?

In other news................

I think it's really funny that commuters in the area had to walk through a bit of trash to get to work today. Somehow a garbage truck turned over or something and all the trash fell down some stairs to a metro or something.... There were comments like," It smells bad" and "It's too early to walk through trash". WHAT? Go live in Cairo, where the smell of rotten food, and dead animal remains fill the morning air everyday. Does it still smell like that on our street Jona?

I have a feeling this "winter storm" comes through, but I have a feeling it's going to miss us almost completely.

Oh well, one can hope!

Winter weather?

We might be getting some serious snow this week. I REALLY really hope so. While I'm not a huge fan of grey skies and slush, I do like the powdery stuff, and if it's supposed to be this cold, then why not snow? As usual, it could pass us by, the weather forecasters around here tend to shy away from a definite answer. But, I'm hopeful.

Oh jeez, I made the mistake of watching "Globetrekker". It's a public television show where people travel the world and show what each area has to offer. I think it would be my dream job. Anyway, even though this show focused on the coastal countries of Arabia, it made me want to visit. I don't think I'll ever lose the travel bug. I want to always explore and see as much as I can.

Ok, better dash off, must get ready for school tomorrow. Although, it may be a short week.

Which one's' mine?

I just looked out the window of my apartment and saw that across the street. I thought it was funny.

By the way.............LOST!!!

snowy, cold, and crazy drivers

It was really nice to go into school later today, and have only 2 classes to teach. But, getting there was not easy. I thought that most of the roads would be easier to navigate and I'd be able to make it to work with out any driving hardships. I was wrong. People were driving crazy! Cutting each other off, changing lanes at a moment's notice, stopping abruptly and speeding up. I even saw a big school bus just go through a light. Fortunately there were no students in the bus, but still. ....... calm down people!

The roads really weren't that bad when it was time to drive to school, but the drivers were.

Anyway, the snow has melted and gone away. There are only traces left in the shade. A little sad that it went away so fast, but good because then it doesn't look so grey and miserable. Like the slush.. I hate slushy streets.

Bring on spring... I want tulips!

Watch it

I have cable, and I caught "Juvies" tonight. It's interesting to watch. I don't know what goes on in court though, so that part is interesting to watch. I can't say that the system works. A lot of kids want to never come back to the facility, but you can never know if they will or not, a lot of it has to do with what they're going back to. Some kids are homeless, they have no families. A few come from a decent home have a slipped up. It really just depends. It really ranges.

I just try to treat them like I would any student. Maybe that's not the best approach, but I feel that it's my style of teaching. I know they're detainees. I know they've broken the law. I don't know how they broke the law and I don't ask. Maybe all they really need is a chance to make a good decision. Even if it means a good decision in my art class.

Back on line

Yeah! I have cable..although, not the package I ordered, and by the way never EVER use "Allconnect" to help you save time and energy for signing up for other utilities... They got everything wrong, and I still have to call... oh well.. At least I know I'll never do that again.

Anyway, it's nice to feel connected to the world again.

Possible snow day tomorrow!!! Let's hope! It's February and I still haven't seen much snow. And if it's going to be cold there might as well be snow.

While unpacking.........

I realized I had way to much stuff
I don't ever need another candle holder...ever
I still can't find my dishes
I have lots of art supplies, photos, and strange memorabilia (why did I keep things?)
I walked up 3 flights of stairs more than I can count
I love my hardwood floors, but sad that 80% of it has to be covered
I love my dining table even though it's heavy
I still have to move all my books
Everything will fit somehow
I broke a glass and cut my foot...first time ever!
Even washing cutlery is fun in a new place!
I need a dresser and places for people to sit
I can't wait to cook my first meal
I love that there is a nice grocery store a stones throw a way from my apartment
With a huge wine and cheese selection!
There is a coffee shop down if you turn left or right.
And....... a William Sonoma
I'm 6 blocks from King Street
I think it's worth the price I'm paying
I can't wait for visitors
Hopefully I won't move for a long time to come

I need sleep.....................

long day into short night

It's been a long day. A long week really. I've been back and forth from Gettysburg so many times, and it's not about to get easier in the next few days. I'm moving.

Which is fine, it's all for the greater good. But I could have done without today. Mostly because of what is going on at work, which I won't really talk about right now. I need to just focus on other things than absorb the stupidity of people around me. It was a 2 and a 1/2 hour meeting today. I really was done in for. I was so tired, and so spent, I just couldn't even deal with it anymore. I really am emotionally drained from that meeting. I really hope that it will bring some valid solutions to the table. I think what's going to happen is that we're all going to be watched for the rest of the year. Every move we make will be documented. Who needs that in their life?

But in other news I did start moving, I think my apartment is going to be cozy. I even got to open a couple of boxes today. I had forgotten about some of the things I have. It was funny. There was even a tin I hadn't opened since I left New Mexico. It was filled with random pictures, magnets. I must have just dumped it all in there. How funny. Anyway, I think I feel good about this place. It's going to take time to find a place for everything to go.

Night..... need some early bed.

February First

It marks the day I WILL actually move into an apartment again. A lot of you may recall my decision to not go with the last apartment... Well, times change, and I got really sick of commuting. And I mean it. I really got sick. So I'm moving to the other end of Alexandria, closer to Old Town, closer to the Mount Vernon Bike path, the waterfront, all that. I'm actually pretty happy about it at the moment. It's an extremely small apartment. But, it'll work. I'll be there for a while, so no more complaining about moving, or driving.

I think it's a good choice for now. Quality of life will sky-rocket! I'll have my stuff that I haven't seen in a few years. It will be my own stuff everywhere I look.

I'll write more later. Just too tired at the moment. Gotta get ready for tomorrow.

From one end of Alexandria to the other.

Well, I'm really not enjoying this whole commuting thing. I just can't do it anymore. It's physically demanding, and really putting a lot of stress on the system. I know people do this everyday of their lives, for years. They may even drive more hours. I just can't do it anymore. It's taking away so much of my life, and I'm just wrecked. I'm not even driving it everyday. I stay at friends houses that are closer in. One friend's house is only about 10 minutes away. Hardly a commute at all! Everyone has been so helpful, but I just need my own space, my own area to enjoy. Time to do the things I like to do and not feeling worn out.

I think part of the reason I've felt that way was because I was sick this week. Not feeling good at all, the stress from the people I work with. It's just all too much. It's not like I have an office job where I can just close the door and work during the day, and then leave for a nice leisurely lunch. I interact with people all day long (which I like a lot). It just takes a lot.

So, I decided on Monday that I would start looking again for apartments. Just on a whim. But the more I looked, the more I realized that there was a lot open for me. There were lots of spaces that were unappealing (great private apartment in family home... NO thanks.. been there, done that). However, I found many spaces that I thought I would be able to live in and wouldn't cost me an arm and a leg. So I have investigated a few, and I think I may move into one of them.

The space is a studio, not my first choice, but it's close to a lot of things that I like. For instance, the waterfront in Alexandria, Old Town, and the Mount Vernon bike path. It's in my range, and I think I could actually still save a bundle. So I might go again and look at it on Monday and put my application in. It's pretty basic, but has nice wood floors, good light (on the third floor). Seems quite. Has a separate area for dining, a separate kitchen, and one bigger living area. Small bathroom, and a huge closet.

We'll see. I hope it works out. I just want to be able to do the things I like. I've put about 10,000 miles on my car in the last few months. And it wasn't even to go on a trip anywhere. Just to get to and from work. That's just sad.

addicted to coughing

Admit it, there is something good about coughing, you're getting something out of your system. And for a brief moment you may not even be breathing, but it's kind of euphoric. You have a sharp pain in your ribcage, but once it's released it feels kind of good. It seems sad that I think that coughing, and on the verge of having bronchitis might be fun. But today I think it was kind of helpful. Students responded to me better when they realized that I was wheezing. They were helpful and considerate. I'm no dumby! Come to school sick and you'll be taken care of. People will ask you how you are, offer you advice and often feel bad for you. It's a Pavlov thing, conditioning and all. I guess I must look pretty sick too.. Which isn't so nice, but oh well. Nothing I can do about that at this point. All I can hope for is some decent sleep.

And just like any day, it will be unpredictable tomorrow. No classes....again, I'm getting sick of this, actually. Just when I think I'm getting on a roll, we get a broomstick jammed into our bicycle wheel and go over our handle bars. I hate the unpredictability of working where I do, but I enjoy the teaching I'm doing. The students I'm working with as well. It's so unfortunate that this school program has a leader that doesn't want to lead, but dictate. There is no real reason for us not to have classes tomorrow, and she might actually think she's doing us a favor. In all actuality, she's not. It's putting us all behind, and giving us a bad reputation.

Like anything else, I need to roll with it. That's the theme of this year, my friends. I have finally learned to roll with it. I guess that's what I learned from my experience in Egypt. You just have to let life take it's course. You'll get derailed, and there will be an extreme amount of imbalance in most cases, but go with it. I think I'm finally getting the hang of it all this time.

So, yes, I'm on drugs right now, and I may seem a little flighty with this post, but it's all good. I will have only a few more days of this coughing binge and it will be back to normal, unless bronchitis rears it's ugly head, in which case I will curse this post.

Tomorrow's Friday, and for those of you that Friday actually means something -- I hope you enjoy it! Because we made it through another grueling week.

This area has more radio stations than anywhere else I've ever lived. They're all completely horrible. I hate them all. And what makes it worse, is that I can't even use my handy-dandy Ipod device to listen to the music I want to. You know, the one that finds a frequency so you can enjoy some music you actually want to hear? Well, it doesn't work. So I guess I'll just have to break down and buy the Ipod accessory that plugs into what used to be the lighter. I'll live, it will be ok, but this area recently got rid of it's only classical station to have another 7o's/80's/whatever station... their tagline even says,"It's like listenting to a bunch of mixed up Ipods." Not my Ipod. I listened to this station on my way home...not the whole way, and they played Heart, Roxette, and umm.... oh, I remember Blondie (I can actually deal with them). But this area needs a good station. I don't know why we don't have one. 99.1 used to be the "alternative" station in the 90's, and then it went more towards really bad rock, and now it's Spanish music! Who knew? Clear Channel has taken all our airwaves over, and we're left with nothing. But I guess that's why we have the Ipod. Thank god.

just a few things

- Officially no Hillary or Obama (but you all know it's coming soon)

- It's snowing today (but I'm sure I'll have to go down to Alexandria tomorrow anyway because they'll never call off-- not even a delay)

- "Steppin' Stone" by the Monkees (Haven't heard in a while, but today I heard it on the radio and I love it. It's an awesome song. Especially the end... Patty, you know what I'm talk' 'bout... yeah ya do!)

- I just destroyed a painting I half-finished. (But I don't feel bad about it because it sucked. I'm gessoing over it, and starting again.)

- My throat hurts. (It's not good... I know what this means)

- Going down to the NGA this week to enjoy some art (It's so much better when no tourists are there.)

Another Candidate

Bill Richardson is now in the running, we all thought that would happen too (when I lived in NM), and actually I don't thinks that he's half-bad. He came in to New Mexico and changed a lot of things, he has an international background, can speak well, can actually do things. He's actually is pretty diverse and well-rounded, and having lived in a state with him as a governor, I know a little more about him. We were happy for the change, because the loser before him was a horrible Republican that failed everyone, all that guy seemed to want to do is smoke pot and run in marathons and the Iron Man.. that doesn't even make sense. But that is what he was like.... I can't even think of his name right now... governor....Mr... oh, I can't remember Gary? Somebody? We were happy to have Richardson. He's tried to bring more of a stable economy to New Mexico, and with a lot of good ol' boys in that state senate, that might have been hard.... So...........no one will get this but the people who live in Albuquerque or New Mexico, but Good for you Bill Richardson............and toss no mas.

2 more years of growing out my hair

With all the people throwing their hat into the ring, I know for sure we'll end up with someone new in the white house in 2008 (technically 2009). And that is when all this hair-growing will stop (it is a pain by the way). I don't know who I'll vote for, or who I'll listen to the most, but all I know is that it won't be someone with the intials GB. I don't know too much about some of the democratic candidates, are there 5 or 6 now? We all knew Hillary was going for it and Obama too (well I kind of like him). But can it really get any worse?

I've really been upset about politics this past week, and usually I just listen and sigh, and complain like the rest of us, but lately it's been overwhelming, how much disgust I have for the present state of things. The war, the oil, the suffering. And that's not even with in my community, look at what we have going on at home? Education, Jobs, Crime, big business, Environment? It's all a big worry, really.

Each day I try to think about how I can improve what I do on a daily basis, I try to be a positive role model for my students. To try to set an example for both my female and male students (not portraying myself as an object as most of them are taught to see women, even the female students). It's really difficult to see if you have any effect on the minds of these students. It's tough to help them individually realize that they can change now for a better future. They don't realize that they are still able to choose a path or many paths! They think that the path they are on is one that they will stay on. Most of them will repeat the mistakes they've made again and again. Some might even do worse. Some will end up in and out of jail for the rest of their lives.

So is the election the biggest deal in the next 2 years? No, not really, it will make a lot of money for some people, and change a few things, but it probably won't change the lives of the students I teach, or even me, for that matter. What we all do on the smaller scale will. What we do on a daily basis will, how we are, how we see the world now, and what we can do to make it better in our area...wherever that may be.

I think that's my goal. While the bigger stuff in the world bothers me, and I can't tolerate it, I think it's important for me to do what I can with what I got and where I am. Is the Juvenile system working? Not really. Does what I do matter? Yes.

Sounds too much like a hippie talking? Or a bit too peace corps for you? Well, who cares. I'm in a job that I think I'm good at, I have direct contact with kids who for the most part are tossed away by society. They teach me as much as I teach them. And actually the more they know that I'm not intimidated by their lives, choices, or attitudes, the more they open up.

I'm looking forward to seeing a new administration, but I just don't know how much effect it will have on me. It will give me someone new to watch, and listen to. Watch people make jokes about, but will that person and their cabinet of policy makers make us better as a whole? I don't know.

Weekends

ahhhhhhh, it's nice to know I don't really have to do anything if I don't want to. I just could sit and relax. Just not having to drive is a benefit. But I actually do have some work to do. I need to prepare a PowerPoint about Chuck Close and actually formulate a lesson plan for the principal who will be giving me a "formal" evaluation sometime next week. I don't know exactly when, but it could be Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.......... I'm ready, lady, so bring it.

Some of my friends made their way to Thailand this week for a job fair. The problem with all of that is how will I be able to visit them? I know for sure a couple will be in the Philippines, and I already know people in Thailand and China and Singapore. I would love to be able to go visit them next year. But I guess it depends on my situation as well.

I still realize that it is travel that is my obsession. I really am addicted to it. Even when it seems like it's harmful to me, I want to do it. Living in other countries is an adventure like none-other. It's an incredible journey that allows you to soak up the true culture of the region, be it good or bad. I had many bad days in Egypt, but I also had many good ones. And in hindsight it was all worth it. It gives me a broader perspective of the world I live in. I DID learn a lot about myself while I was living in Egypt. I know more now what it truly means to be a flexible and more open person. Which is closer to the person I want to be. Traveling to another country, or even another state puts you in a vulnerable position. You are at the mercy of people who live a certain way, you need to learn, you are the one that needs to be flexible and change your habits to assimilate. Or at least accommodate. And I guess we all do that a little bit each day in our own home or country, but on a different level. A more gentle level.

I often tell my students that you have to try to see other's viewpoints, even if you don't agree with them. You have to try because it will at least teach you something about yourself. It's so hard for them to do that. Being that they are already in a tough position. They protect themselves, and don't really understand why they do it. They live under a blanket of fear, really. So many kids come into the D-home with certain attitudes, and if they're there long enough, you can seem them unwrapping themselves. They reach a comfort level, a certain trust. And then they go, and you hope that they can pull themselves away from their past. But, I know that's not completely realistic. They go back to the same homes, the same way of life, the same school, and the same friends. They don't have the back up or support they need to realize the changes they made when they were in the D-home were worth the time, patience and effort. They fall back into what they were used to.....

Whoa-- sorry that was a tangent.

Ah-- the weekend, it leaves time for the mind to wander and think.

Everything's up to date in KC.........

I just returned from a short trip to KC. A little site-seeing. I went to the Nelson-Atkins Museum, which is actually quite good. It's pretty big and has a variety of stuff. And it's free! I didn't know they had free museums outside of DC! Will I'll be!

Anyway, the goal of my trip was to visualize it as a place I could live happily. And I think it is. It's cheaper, a slower pace. It's friendly and open. Lots of parks. The only problem is the location, but I guess I can get over that. It's about 2 hours away from anywhere I'd want to be in the US.

So I am looking a real estate, and I'm going to see how much I can afford. It's a huge step, and it's really making me nervous to think that I would own a place all by myself.

The one thing I do kind of worry about is a job, a possible business venture, and moving to the middle of the country. HA! Who knew? But I guess one thing is for sure, that I'm really good about surprises, full of them. So full, in fact...

I got an e-mail from a teacher I knew in Egypt. He said they might be hiring for an art teacher at their school..........want to know where? Nepal! I know, it's my dream. I've always wanted to go there, and the school is amazing. So, who knows what will happen now. But if I got to interview for that job and then got hired. Well,. I think you'd have your answer, wouldn't you.

Anyway, 6 more months at my current job, and I can't really complain too much, except for the fact that the drive is horrible. It really makes me feel dead to the world when I get home. There usually is some relief. For instance, I'm staying closer in tomorrow night, and then even next week I will seek solice in some friends. All in all it's going. We have a short week next week. And maybe there will be some snow days here and there. I don't know. At any rate, I have a variety of students at the moment. All levels. That part, I still really really like..

New day, new school?

I will not have anymore one on one meetings with the principal.........so it's been said. How strange is that? Although, I'm ok with that. The less I have to see her, the less I have to worry. 6 months and counting..............

new things

new year = new sketchbook

Hopefully I'll fill it with tons of great ideas and information. Of course it will also act as a lesson plan book, documentation of day-to-day ongoings at work, and many other things. So just because I got a new sketchbook, it doesn't really mean that I will be breaking the old habits of writing things down that really have no bearing on my artwork..... or do they?

hummmmmmmmmm........things to wonder about over the course of the year, I suppose.

So for all those canvases I bought, I have 2 half-done paintings to show for it. At least I was ambitious about trying to do it.

I guess one can hope.

Goodbye 2006

Well, it's been a heck of a year. I started it out by returning to Egypt to complete my last school year in Cairo. I saw Egypt win the African Cup, relaxed on a few well-deserved beach vacations on the Red Sea (Italians included), saw an eclipse, traveled to a distant oasis town called Siwa near the Libyan border, traveled back to the US to try to land a teaching job, experienced sand storms, crazy taxi rides, sold 2 paintings, a beautiful dinner in the desert near the Giza pyramids (in a custom made dress), paid off Egyptian airport workers to load my luggage, layover in Vienna, caught up on Lost, taught summer school, lived with a crazy woman who kept food in her fridge from 2001 ($1200 a month thank you very much), visted Seattle (for a day - sniff-), went to Alaska - the last frontier, began teaching at a juvenile detention center (at least it's an art position), almost moved into my own apartment, but decided to save money and move back home, visited Kansas City (who knew I'd like it?), commuted, stayed at friends houses, ran upwards of 5 miles a day (then stopped because commuting takes it out of you), made tons of christmas cookies, joined a second gym (who does that?), and waited for the new year to come.

I'm sure I've missed some other things. But according to the calendar a new year is coming. It could be an interesting one. I will probably move again. Big news there. But I have a few things in mind that might make the year go by at a nice pace. We'll see what happens, you can only live in the present, and deal with what happens on a day to day basis. Who knows what one can do?

I wish everyone a happy and peaceful new year!

Everything is relatives

Yea, it's that one time a year where my family regroups at the assisted living space where my grandma lives. Everyone comes out of the woodwork to see and catch up on everything family.

It's ok. I mean, it's something you feel compelled to do, because it's the very least you can do. The only problem is, I'm the only one representing my sisters every year. And it get's darn hard to turn on the smiles and say things like," They're doing great, they ran out of vacation leave (or insert another excuse)."

It's interesting to see the family dynamics. Who sits with who. Who doesn't sit with who. Who makes the rounds to everyone. Then there are the words that are exchanged. Yes, my grandmother is extremely traditional when it comes to family. She kind of lets you know who's in the blood line and who's not. This year was no exception," Bless those who are related by blood, and those who have chosen us." I guess I made the cut, because I'm in the blood line. If you're married to one of us...well, sorry for you.

I look up to see who caught wind of that one. And I look over at my cousin, who brought his girlfriend, and I'm thinking...she's a brave one to even set foot in this place. Not only because almost every family member is here, but because she's now "chosen" us. GO-- run for the door.

As if that weren't enough, I got the usual questions: How do you like your job? When are you moving again? Do you have a boyfriend? Where are you going to next? How's commuting? Are you sure you want to move again? or...if you're sitting next to a "chosen" member of the family... it's more like: Is your work doing anything for you? Are you taking it day by day? How's life?

At any rate, we're all family. You can't change that one bit. I had several offers to live in their homes, find a new job. All very nice ideas. I guess that's one think I do like about family. They do look out for you. They want your life to be alright too.

check this out.

Poor middle and upper class kids and their white parents. Nothing like this would ever happen at a low income school:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/10/AR2006121001008.html

What I didn't want for Christmas...

Ouch, I banged my patella straight into the stone ground as I was letting the dogs in from the rainy night. I didn't expect it to still be hurting a day later. I thought maybe a bruise or something. Alas, no bruise. Just pain when anything comes into contact with it.

Break Time

While in other parts of the country it appears that winter has struck, here in the little town where my parents live...not so much. I think it's about 55. More like spring than anything else. It rained all day yesterday, but it's nice and bright today.

Winter break has started for me, and I couldn't be more relieved. Although break didn't come before an amount of strange issues at work.

The first? Well, we were asked to go meet with the director of the D-home. I decided to go up and just share my view that it's a communication problem, but yet it’s a dictatorship down in the school wing.

Number 2. I was observed on the last day of classes. Yes I know, she can come to my classroom whenever she wants... BUT, to observe and give me an informal evaluation? Get real! I guess that's just her loving way to say," Happy Holidays, from your tyrant boss".

Number 3. Decided that I have nothing to lose and I might as well air out the dirty laundry before break. So I talked to the lead teacher (or the tyrant's puppet). I just acknowledged the issues that I was concerned with: slander, intimidation, prejudgment... and communication. The "lead teacher" went straight to the tyrant leader, of course. And on the last day of school (Thursday) I had an impromptu meeting with the tyrant and puppet. So I aired it all out. I told them everything that I was thinking. I was expecting some kind of support, and maybe an apology. I did get an apology for the way she spoke to me last week, but of course she was having a "bad day". The tyrant also lied straight to my face. I reminded her of the fact that she has had way too many discussions with me about past teacher indiscretions (if you know what I mean). And I told her I was offended and it was unnecessary to keep recalling that. She denied it, but I told her I wrote it down, and that I wouldn't bring it up if I weren't affected by it. So whatever. The puppet intervened and well, I just let it go. All it all, I thought I hung in there quite well. The whole meeting just made me realize what a crazy person she actually is. She even was twirling her hair and staring off into space as the meeting progressed. Is this an adult or a student?

Numero quatro. I confirmed a meeting with the tyrant's boss when I get back from break. I will bring my notes, my observations, and everything that I have experienced by being in the presence of the tyrant.

Everyday that I see her I can feel my blood boil. The less I see her, usually the better my day goes. I'm so happy that I'm not even on the school wing, and that I am out on the unit. One of the detention specialists even asked me if I was coming back next year. I said,” I haven't decided yet." And he said,” Well, I hope you do." That was nice to hear, but I don't think so, bro. One way or another I'm in KC or New York!

Ok, well, on to better things. I'm excited about the fact that I will be able to join the YMCA in PA. I really need an outlet with these crazy days just rolling in and out of my life. I miss running so much, and I was doing so well a month a go. Now I have to start over and it's getting cold. So I thought it might be a decent alternative. Oh well. It's good for the soul. That and cooking.

Started a painting last night. It's one of the mazes I've been doing lately. Not sure if I really like what I'm doing right now. I may wipe some of it out and start again.. I do that a lot. I'm a big under painter, I guess you could say. I start out with something on canvas and then usually I end up clearing it off and starting again. Then I keep the next one. I guess it's part of my process... if I have one.

In about a week and 1/2 I'll be out in KC to visit Amy and Travis! YEAH!!! So excited to look at the city again, and really think about it as the place I'm going to be living. I kind of hope so. I never ever thought in a million years I'd be trying to move to exactly in the middle of the country.

That's about all from here for a while. Hopefully I can post some artwork someday soon. That'd be good.

Happy Holidays...........and PEACE!

WOW

I would totally move for this house:

http://www.reeceandnichols.com/Consumer/Listing/ListingDetail.aspx?Search=e88722e4-b0fc-4d1a-85c3-b6a5d6b2fd28&Listing=15592897&ListingType=1

On to what's next

It's Monday. You know what that means? Tomorrow is Tuesday. But that's not all, you see it's a short week for me and I get to start vacation on Thursday evening. That's right! And I'm really happy about that.

I think we all need a break right about now. It's time for no more commuting, only happy thoughts, lovely beverages, and good food. I plan on all of that and more. Even, oh I don't know, paint, perhaps? FINALLY! I'm really looking forward to going through some of my boxes that have been packed up for almost 3 years too. I miss my cappucino machine. I gotta find it. And I can't just keep buying art supplies. I have a ridiculous amount already. (but I think I deserve a new brush or two)

ok....so, that's what's next... Break.

Interesting View

I drive 15 to 270 to 495 frequently... many times a week infact. During those drives, I had never seen what I saw last night coming back from my best friend's house. There's this huge cemetary on the side 15, and last night they had candles at every gravesite. It was an amazing picture. I kind of wished I had my camera. I could see all the flickers of the candles through the trees. There must have been hundreds of them. I decided not to go in and tour, although I saw many cars pulling in and out. Instead I just slowed my car down, and took in the sight for a brief moment. Life comes too fast for most of us to take notice. To turn something such as a cemetary into a beautiful memorium during the winter season is a great offering to those who have passed on.

It's been a long time

I guess I'm trying to figure out what I want to write on this page. There is so much rambling around in my mind, that I'm not sure what I want to put down. I guess the first thing that I always am thinking about is my job. I know by now, that there is no perfect teaching job. For instance, sometimes it's the students. Sometimes it's the administration, sometimes it's both. I think I'm hitting the wall, though. I'm not quite sure how I'll make it through the next six months. This is the first job I've had where I thought I could actually make a difference in the lives of the students I teach. I have small classes, no behavior problems, and they're actually learning. I'm not bored either. I get to know my students, I get to see them everyday.

But the principal. She makes it horrible for me to accomplish that everyday. She is a tyrant. She's not pleasant, she's sarcastic, moody, and filled with hate. She has no life and makes it an intolerable atmosphere.

So I need to be proactive, even though I'm not going to be there next year. I can't let this woman ruin the teachers that are here. So I'm going to talk to her boss. I already talked to her about some of my more diplomatic concerns, but she passed me by. So, I've decided to go up the chain of command.

Only one more week until break. And I think, I can make it.

Catch up

Well, it's been a while since I've posted. There's been a lot going on that I needed to take care of. Some of it has been taken care of, but most of it won't be taken care of until the end of the school year. It's a struggle everyday to get to work. And then it's a struggle to not be in the middle of everyone else's drama when I get to work. Mainly, I try to stay out of the way, and I try to maintain what my job really is... to work with the students. It's the only part of my work day that I like. Which I'm thankfrul for.

This Friday was enjoyable too, I had it off. What was originally a moving day, became a day that I ran errands. But they were fun errands. And I was happy to have the entire day off. Not worrying about whether or not things would be waiting for me at work. Which I'm sure they will be.

Thursday I had to drive all the way down to Fredricksburg to hear a document being read to me. It had nothing to do with me at all. It was a complete waste of time, and all of our students missed a day of education because of it. It wasn't my decision to do it. So I guess that's not my problem.

Anyway, another weekend has come and gone, and there are two weeks left until my good-sized break (but not as good-sized as it was when I was in Egypt). Can't wait for it!

I'm out of practice for writing about things.......so, that's it for now.

SUCCESS

It pays to be direct. That's right, I got my deposit back, not because my room was left in better condition than I found it, but because I sent a certified letter to the landlady. I think it worked. I am out of that place for good and all I have to do is go cash that check.... So that makes me happy to no end. I finally got one thing out of the way.

Now on to driving. It's kind of weird always traveling under the cover of darkness. It makes me feel a little like a member of the Von Trap family. It's not ideal at all, and to tell you the truth I'm so tired, I'm a little drunk on no sleep. It's been rough.

School, is no exception. What do you do when you feel like someone is pushing you to the brink of cracking? And you know that's what they're waiting for? I don't know. I guess that makes me not want to crack even more. So I won't. My only choice in this matter is to not be around anyone. So I guess I'll will be a wallflower for as long as I can stand it. I know I didn't really explain anything there, but it's complicated and actually almost all of it seems unimportant now. And I think now that now that I'm realizing how crazy everyone is at work, it really has nothing to do with me, it's time to just let it all go. I LOVE teaching my classes. SERIOUSLY! You can't beat 8 in a class. 8 students in a class. Can you imagine?? And as long as that is still going ok, then that's good, because that's what I'm there for.

More good things:

The weekend is coming up.
I can sleep more and won't have to drive.
I got all my stuff now in one place.
Next week is only a 4 day week for me. Originally it was moving day, but now I'm just going to take it as a personal day....
3 more weeks until Christmas break.
AND AND AND.............wait for it.............

THANK YOU JONA FOR THE CARD!! I got it today when I got home. It really made my day!


Ok, peace out, man... I need sleep

First day down....

.........And many months more to go. But I did it. I got in my car at 4:45 and drove myself to work in under 2 hours. I got there way too early, and I'm taking 15 more minutes of sleep tonight. So that's nice. I'm even going to shave some time off my breakfast by preapring half of it tonight. Coffee included, of course.

Ok. Update on the Business. My friend, Amy, who's also going to be my business partner, has a telephone meeting with the people we're going to do business with (hopefully), and then my turn will be later in the week. So that's exciting. I think it's really going to happen. It's going to be a lot of work, but I swear we can do it.

Did I also mention the CIA called me the other day? .... and by that I mean, the Culinary Institute of America. I'd love to still do that someday, but it's on the back burner for now. Which is fine. I can cook, I can bake. It would be great to spend more time doing that now, which I am, since I'm living at home. So that will do for now.

Thinking about stretching myself really thin and trying to work for a baker here in Gettysburg. I mean, I don't have much of a life right now, and I might as well stay busy, and try to earn a few more dollars to add to the pot, and learn something I'm interested in. We'll see. I have to find a balance. It's going to take a few weeks, and then I'll see what I need to do.

School...is well, school. Not too many students right now, and the ones that are there, are so funny. The girls unit! The stuff they were talking today was hilarious. I had never heard so many uses of the term "snap" in my life... And yes Cory... they were correct uses of the term "snap"... Oh snap!

Alright.. nighty night.

Don't talk, listen.........

Would you be offended if your boss made that line apart of your staff meeting agenda? I am. I don't want to go back tomorrow. I'm dreading the long ride, I don't know if I'm going to be able to handle it. I'm trying to figure out the best way to use my sick leave. I feel like maybe every other week I should take 2 days off. That way every other week I have a holiday, kind of.

It's a lot to think about, but I guess I should think about the money I'm saving. It's good money. It will really help to have that stashed away somewhere for a while. At least that is the hope.

So much to think about, I'm finding more of a positive spin. So that's good. Things will be alright.

Well then...........

So there's been a lot going on in the last 2 weeks. My title says I'm not shipwrecked, but it is how I feel right now. I'm really worried about the commute. I'm very scared that it's just going to break me down. I'm trying to figure out alternatives. It's looking rough. I have a couple of friends who are willing and able to let me stay with them a couple nights a week, so that's great. And I have 19 days of sick leave, so I might as well take those, when I feel like I need them. It's just going to be hard. I'm not sure what the next few months will bring. I guess a lot of thinking and a lot of listening to music. Anyone got any ideas for driving music? I've tried listening to books on tape, but I'm usually distracted and don't get to listen to the story, so I think that's out. Same with foreign language tapes, but maybe I could do it with a language I'm already familar with, like French, German, Spanis, or even Italian... I don't know.

I'm thinking it's going to just have to be one of those things where I'll wake up, work, try to make it to a gym, or some kind of active thing, and then eat a quick meal and go to bed. I think that's going to be my life for the next 6 months. I can't quit my job. I can't. Because there is definite opportunity to save a lot of money for the big move to KC.

I guess I just feel nervous about it. This holiday has made me feel very anxious, and I haven't really been doing anything except think about what my options are for the next 6 months. Is saving money worth the grief at work? Is driving almost 2 hours each way worth it? What about gas? That's like paying rent. What about my well being? How will that change?

I've thought about getting part time jobs in Gettysburg. I think I could probably sub everyday, but I wouldn't have health insurance. I could work a series of part time jobs, or even take a risk and try to work at bakeries and coffee shops. But I can't earn enough. Part of me would just like to quit my teaching job, and the other part of me would like to pull through.... which I'm known to do in almost any situation. It's part of my personality. I like to see things through... I guess that's why I end up in some strange situations sometimes, or negative ones.

One thing is for sure, I can't quit now, it's close to Christmas, I only have about 4 more weeks until another break. It's certainly do-able. But is the rest of the year?

Oh well. I guess we'll see about that.

At any rate, I hope Americans had a good Thanksgiving. I enjoyed all the side dishes I could manage. And I'm going to try to use them today in leftovers. We'll see what happens. My mom said I should be creative.....

Wow, what a week

It all began on Monday, of course, when I got an e-mail from my friend Amy... The timing couldn't be more strange, but she asked me if I was interested in taking over a business along with her. What, you say? Kate running a business? Well, first of all, it would be an art eduation related business, so it's not coming out from left field. Although right now I'm sitting here thinking about it, and wondering, how am I going to do this. ANYWAY... Amy has worked for the business owner since the end of summer, and the guy wants to sell it and get out. It's profitable, has only been up and running for less than a year, and has so much growth potential...at least in our minds. So............... we're going to do it.

As you may hae guessed, Amy and Travis are the ones that live out in Kansas City, MO. So that's where I'm headed. SHOCKER! I know. Kate who always said she wouldn't be caught dead in the middle of the country, is now headed towards tornado alley.. Who would have thought? But that's the way life is. Isn't it? You never, ever know where life will take you. I never planned on going to Egypt either....

It's not without pause though. We're doing some hard thinking and trying to cover all our bases with a plan to take it over. It won't be finalized until about April, and it could fall through.. Who knows... but, it's happening, it's in the works.

It's exciting and I'm super nervous about owning a business, but I think it will work.

Phew.........now that's news

Pictures

Part 3: Alaska

Pictures

Part 2 of Alaksa

Some pictures

Part 1 of Alaska

The Midwest

........NOT that bad. I was scared at first, venturing into the unknown and what not. But there it was in all it's glory. Space, nice people, a mid size city. Even a decent art scene that I could actually entertain getting into! Imagine that! Now, I'm not saying that I'm moving.. Cause, I'm not. But you can buy a church for $50,000. Or a building that you could live and work in (historical) for $90,000. Or-- you could buy a beautiful home for $150,000! Rent-- around $400 depending on what you want. Give or take $100. AMAZING!

I don't know. I'm definintely glad I went out there, and I know what's there now. It is a great place to live. It's not touristy. It's really a city for living. So many places I've visited and that's the difference. Many cities are very toursity, or cater to visiting people. Especially mid-sized cities. I didn't feel like it was "midwest". I felt like it was still Eastcoast, except without the attitude, and a little more gracious. Not as much material, more genuine. Good places to eat (although the salsa was not even remotely hot---darn).

One thing at a time. First I have to move out of my "room". Then I have to make my new place my own. Then....we'll see.

I

Senseless people doing senseless things

Peep this........... More insight on how things can be there. And how things can just escalate and get out of hand. Quickly. How sad, horrible, and disgraceful

http://mechanicalcrowds.blogspot.com/2006/10/when-crowds-are-gone.html

Time marches on

I can't believe it's alrady November. We've been so lucky to have nice fall weather so far, but I fear it's all about to change. It's been blue sky and sunny this past week, we even got to eat lunch outside. I like that!

Halloween came and went without really making a sound. Saturday I went to a party with my friends and it was ok. People weren't really doing much. Just kind of standing around and talking. There definitely seemed to be split between two groups. I was just invited to go. I only new the people I went with. I went with Katie and Shannon. We al decided to go as bank robbers, last minute. We made an enterance and everyone just stared. HOW STRANGE? I thought we looked pretty good. Especially for putting it all together just a couple hours before the party. Oh well, some people just don't really care. At least I looked more like a girl this year and less like Napoleon...hahahaha (that was a good costume though..freakin' awesome..gosh).

Tuesday I went over to my friends house. And helped pass out candy and watch kids come by with their costumes. There were a few that just squeaked by. But these two teenage boys came by and they had no costumes. I asked what they were, one said," I'm a male model" and the other said," I'm 18". Ok, whatever. Get candy while you can.

At school I decided to pass out candy and do exquisite corpses. Some of the exquisite corpses didn't really come out so good. Oh well. It's better to do with more than less kids. Perhaps we should have just done one big exquisite corpse for each class! I don't know.

Now it's Thursday! The week goes fast. Closer to my move date. I can't wait! Just about 4 more weeks to go. And I won't really be there this weekend, and then soon it will be THanksgiving, and then I move!

Thinking about getting a tree this year too. I'm usually against those things, I'd rather get a tree that can be planted etc... But I think this year I'm going to get a cut one. I'm looking forward to it.

Looking into culinary schools.... watch out! I may be a pastry chef yet!

3 good things or more

Oh man, this tree I pass everyday coming home from work. It's amazing! The tree is huge and the sunlight passes right through the leaves at around 4:00. I keep saying I'm going to take my camera with me to work one day so on the way home I can snap a picture of it. But I keep forgetting, and then I realize it probably wouldn't be as beautiful to look at the picture anyway. The colors of the leaves this week have been amazing on that tree. It's all orange and yellow, and it changes value ever so slightly. It's as if Andy Goldsworthy made the tree himself. It just brightens my day everytime I go past it. I wish I lived in the house that owns the land on which the tree sits.

Secondly, I was amazed at the beautiful light that bounced of the clouds yesterday before sunset. I don't know what it was, but there was this dense cloud and the sun must have been right behind it. All these rays of light just came from behind, and made a stunning view. The rest of the sky was a series of blue tones and the wind was cold and crisp. I don't mind the cold when it's that beautiful to look at.

Thirdly, we all get an extra hour of sleep over here this weekend! YES!! I'm really excited about that. Yes, fall back everyone! Don't forget.

Fourth, I bought a new winter coat. To keep nice and toasty throughout the winter months, and believe me, if I'm cold now, February is going to be brutal! (it may actually make me pine for Cairo..almost)

Fifth, I head out to see Amy and Travis next weekend! So excited, and I get to visit a new place. Never been to Kansas City, and now I get to go see what it's like.

Sixth, ummm... well, tomorrow is Friday, and Saturday I think I'm going to a halloween party. Don't know exactly what I'm going to be. Any ideas welcome. My sister gave me a few, but now it's a mad dash.....

People say I'm not positive............those are 6 positives in one entry! So there.

In this day and age

I find it extremely difficult that there are so many people I work with (like all of them), who don't believe evolution. I have a feeling I know why (which I won't discuss here). Mostly it's how they've been taught it, and it's their strong believe in the fact that they believe that the bible is fact (but they're not even schooled in that either). They're believing what they are told, instead of looking for answers themselves. Which is why I get all bent out of shape about religion. Many (not all and not every) religion preys upon the uneducated, or the people who just want the ease of faith. I can't understand why people would let themselves be misguided, but it happens outside of religion too (politics.. pretty much anywhere) I try to understand. I know I won't change their mind. And they won't change mine.

At the same time, how can one not make sense of the patterns we see everyday. How can they not see that evolution is in everything and everyday. The regeneration of skin, to the leaves falling, heredity (it's in our genes), the fossils.

I think my next major art undertaking with be a theme in evolution. I haven't quite figured out how... but I want to include evolution in my artwork. It can be the evolution of my art work.. ohh... I like that.. Ellen, want to take part???

Evolution is a sore subject to many people because I think it challenges them. And many people don't like to be challenged. Some people just like to stick to certain believes because it's easier. Life isn't easy. Keep exploring... keep learning. Things change. Theories do get blown out of proportion. But evolution is no longer a theory it's fact.

Possibilities

Do you see a pastry chef in your future? You might. I'm seriously thinking about applying to culinary school to be a pastry chef. Not sure where yet, and it probably won't be until 2008! But it's something I am seriously thinking about. I have to get some experience working in a bakery, or some kind of food industry. So I haven't quite figured out where, but I'm looking. There's a bakery up the road and I think I might just ask if I can work there for basically free.... So, we'll see. I'm thinking of the Culinary Institute of America or Johnson and Wales University, or some school in Boston.... I don't know. But, I'm investigating. Some schools are really expensive, so it would put more school loans on top of school loans. Not something I'm excited about....but if there's a will there is a way.

Keep warm out there folks...

One of the best things about driving u pto my parents house this weekend was the fact that the colors on the trees are pretty amazing. I think up in PA they're just about down, but around my area it's like they're just about at their peak. The GW parkway was amazingly beautiful. One of the other great things about driving up was listening to NPR. I know.. NPR... but really it's funny because they play old bluegrass songs. And they come out with the funniest lyrics ever. Like:

You can use all the kitchen grease, I can buy it buy the pound. True love ain't like lard, darlin' why do you make this so hard.... please don't take my picture down, on your way back from town.

and

Oh were did my love go, she's supposed to wear my ring today. If you find her I'll be down by the willow tree getting married to another.

WHAT?? Crazy! I know. Then they have stained-glass blue grass. With amazing lines like:

The lord took my sweet heart and I have to prepare, so that I may go up, and meet her up there.

It just is one of those things.

Anywhooo..........just thought I would share that with you...
Halloween party to go to next week, and I just realized I have no idea for a costume. I don't know this year. Nothing can top last year!

it didn't go down well........

So I told my housemate this week. And it didn't go well. I'm giving her as much time as I can for her to find a new person. I started off by telling her what I was doing and my reasons for moving... NOT ABOUT HER AT ALL. But then she brought on the guilt and outright asked me what she could have done to make it better basically. So I told her a few basics. Then she criticized me and spoke down to me and blamed me that I can't communicate. I was really upset. Granted, I don't like confrontation and I am a bit passive when it comes to certain behaviors of people I'm around. But she's not very approachable, and I felt like I was between a rock and a hard place. Not to mention it's her house. I'm not on equal footing with her. I could go on. But I think it's done now. She needs to get over it. And I need to just lie low for the next six weeks. I am sure this is the right decision.

It's the weekend! Museums this weekend, a birthday party, and maybe driving up to my parents....... I love weekends............

The Big Guns

Jenny Lewis is absolutely amazing. I can't even express how glad I am that I got to go to her show. I would see her again and again. She did all her songs off the album and she even performed a few new ones she has up her sleeve. She did some a capella with the Watson Twins and did a couple just on her guitar. She played almost every song with one instrument or another. She was excellent.

I was right up front for the whole show. Front and center. There were two opener bands for for her. "The Blow" (Portland, Oregon based...cory....). It was basically electronic beats and sounds to the performer's voice. She was really funny actually.....on purpose. And since most of the people standing around me were high schoolers, I don't think they really got her. But I thought she was interesting.

The next band right before Jenny was "Vietnam"... which you might guess would have a certain 60's - 70's rock thing going on. .Which they did. It was pretty much straight rock... They were ok. I thought that they were pretty much up there for the hell of it, I couldn't understand their words, but the guitars were good... so..

Then there was Jenny and the twins and the BAND. They were all amazing. The dummer was fantastic, the guitarist was some really young guy (who looked familiar... I don't know where from) from right here in Alexandria. He sang a few hooks, and played guitar. There was a guy at the little piano and he played slide guitar, and the bassist... and of course the twins. They came out all dressed in black and did a few songs. Then the ladies left the stage and came back in a new outfit and rocked out in these "Tina Turner" dresses. It was great. She is so good, her voice is so good. I hadn't expected her to be that good. The sound really suit her, I love the old gospel kind of thing she's got going on... It's really great.

SO GO SEE HER IF YOU CAN! The whole band looks like they really have fun up there. The last song was ," Handle with care" (made famous by the Traveling Willburys), and a an a capella song that she just wrote. I love live shows, you never really know what to expect.

Haikus for Jenny Lewis by Patricia and Kathleen

My sister and I are excited to be going to see Jenny Lewis and we just couldn't contain ourselves with one Haiku......

jenny lewis soon
guitars and scenester hair cuts
hope ben gibbard shows.

jenny lewis rocks
away the dark midnight blues
with us on sunday

Patricia does sing
along with her favorite
red headed sister

Gee I hope ben shows
so he can do a ditty
with jen lewis too

Watson twins sing too
bringing harmonies sweetly
when can i join in?

It's the weekend everybody!!!!!!!!

brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Ok, I'm going to be saying that all winter. But I just realized we've had so many nice blue skies, that it doesn't really matter. I think in Cairo I could count all the blue skies we had in 2 years on all my fingers and toes and not run out. Sad-- but true. I'll never forget the huge sandstorm I flew into on the way back to Cairo from the states last spring. ugh...

Anyway, be aware, Friday the 13th is upon us.... Watch your back, watch your back.

Accomplished grade giver

Yeah, one of those days. Except I actually like the population I work with today. Kids are the least of my worries. It's the bureaucratic paper push. It's school, it's government, and you know what's worse? It's state government. So there seems to be even more red tape to go through.

I don't really want to dwell on it, BUT I am. I feel like I need to come to a point and think about jobs, working and all that kind of stuff. Do I need a job that matters? Do I want my job to matter to me more? OR less? Is a job just a job? Should I love my job or just live for the weekends? I don't know. Because if there is a perfect job out there for me, I don't have it. But then again, I don't know what that perfect job is. Is it painting? I've never really had that job? Is it cooking? Or do I like that too much for me to make that a job... Do I want my passions to be my job or do I want my passions to be what I come home to at the end of the day? I don't know. I seem caught between the worlds. Because part of being a teacher is to give things for kids to grab on to, take it, and run with it. I like when a kid makes a piece of art work and he or she is proud of it. I like when they can figure out how shading works, or how to make something have more depth It's a great feeling to see the lightbulb come on. And it's hard to see that anymore because of where the educational system is going. It's stunting a lot of kids creativity. It's not giving them the option to figure things out on their own. It's more like," Here's the stuff you need to know so we can be a passing school and get our funding." And I hate that. It doesn't let me be the kind of teacher I thought I'd be able to be.

At the same time. I would rather not work with adults. And in almost any other profession it would be with adults. For me, I guess I give kids the benefit of doubt. Maybe I shouldn't do that. But they're not totally their own person yet. They have the ability to change and be influenced, and to change their personality. Not adults. They're stuck, become unreliable, and frustrating people.... Or people who are frustrated...like me. Teachers are a strange breed though.. I realize this. Sometimes common courtesy go out the window.

I don't know. My dream job....I'll have to think about that. I thought it would be teaching abroad. And it wasn't. I enjoyed the travel, and meeting people who wanted to do the same thing as I did, but it wasn't a dream. It was definitely a change though. At that time it wasn't the right fit for many different reasons. It doesn't mean I wouldn't do it again.... It's still a possibility.

Anyway, I keep going. The days do seem to be fast. I do have a lot of individual learning going on in my classes. The kids seem to be really interested. I find myself always getting more information for them. FILL THEIR HEADS!! In past teaching positions it seemed to be very mediocre, very mundane. Right now, the kids are fine. Teaching is fine. Do I want more than fine?

Fluorescent Lights are killing me

I don't know what it is today, but I can't see. The lights are so bright today, and there is no real way that I can adjust them. Plus, I'm trying to teach shading so that doesn't help. We're doing a 5 step scale and here I am shading these forms with shade 5 (the darkest) and then I turn around to look at my class and there's a weird haze and I can't see straight. This probably means that I should also be wearing my glasses more often now. Oh well. And I should probably go get them checked anyway. My hearing is going, no my sight.. Soon it will be all my joints and organs... Is this what happens in your 30's. I didn't sign on for this at all.

Yesterday I had a request for pictures of pyramids. We're doing landscapes and he wants to do an Egyptian Landscape. So I went home and pulled together some photos. And it was actually neat to look back on them at this point. It's really cool to think I was really there and saw the pyramids kind of regularly. So I put an assortment together, including Saqqara, the Red Pyramid, and of course Giza. I also brought some of Luxor, Aswan, and Karnak (one of my favorite places). So we'll see what these kids think about the pictures.

Anyway, I better go take some advil or something. My head feels like a headache is coming on.. Yep, better wear my glasses.

I feel like I had things in mind to talk about. Oh right, North Korea... uh, duh. I seem to remember that being an issue when the Iraq war started. And the government just pushed that aside, and now here we are 3 years later. Did you know that someone bought Ptolemey's (spelling?)atlas for almost $4 million! WOW! Amazing. If I'm ever rich enough to just buy an object for 4 million dollars then I would by old maps and stuff. I love those things. Alas, I don't even have $1,000,000, so I don't think that's in the near future. Plus, a house would be nice to have someday. And Lebanon is having an international movie festival! Wow! That's a country I wish I could have gone to while I was away. Oh well.

Ok- advil.

Saved? In more ways than one

First of all I am saved from the ants and maggots. Yes. I move to my new place in December. Can't wait to be free of that. Having my own kitchen and not having to hide in my giant room when I'm home. Did I mention I don't even want to eat in the kitchen, let alone prepare anything.

Second, I don't want to be "saved" by born-againers call it. I wanted to poke my eardrums out with a fork yesterday. I had to set up my computer in another class yesterday and the woman listened and sang-a-long with christian radio...ALL DAY. NO people, NO! Stop it!

Thirdly, I am finally getting stuff done at work. Apparently we're getting some cabinet space, so I can lock supplies up and not have to worry about who is getting thier grubby hands on my art supplies. Thank goodness. Not that it's been a huge problem, but it does happen from time to time.

Ok. We'll it is Tuesday, I get to listen to my own music today, I can dream about my new place, and my supplies are all here. It's a pretty good start.

Ahh...Monday

This weekend was a bit of a strange one. I can't quite explain where the time went, I just know it went. I dunno.

Friday I went to dinner with my friend Ruth and her husband, who has come back from 2 exhausting tours in Iraq. I had never met him before, but it was nice to finally sit down all together and talk. And...we talked, and talked, and talked. It was interesting because I had never spoken to anyone first hand about the Iraq war, the politics of it etc... Although it was Friday night, and it would have been nice to have a light night... it was serious. He's out now. And glad to be out.

Saturday I managed to make it to the NEW and IMPROVED American Art Museum with my friend, Jeremy, which is connected to the National Portrait Gallery! Simply amazing, beautiful. It just blew me away and I had no idea how big it was. I saw so much stuff, way too fast. I need to go back and spend some more time just seeing what's there. It got a bit crowded in some of the areas, but mostly it felt free enough to walk around. Upstairs they have like a catalogued area where all these paintings and sculptures are just in these cases, labeled. It's strange. It's like going into someone's closet. But amazing. I realize that I just need to go downtown more often and look around, walk around. It's so close. Who says I can't be a tourist in my own town Well, it may not be my own town... but it's close enough.

The rest of Saturday was spent relaxing. Mostly trying to remain inspired by all that I saw, while texting my sister who was in Nashville (why she drove down to Nashville I don't know, but apparently she had a good time, or was in the process of having a good time).

Sunday I took my time, got up and drove to my parents. I really like that drive. It's so relaxing and pretty. The colors are starting to change more, and I have a feeling it will be at it's peak next week. It was a beautiful day yesterday. I ended up watching the world baking championships for some reason. The Japanese won. Which really doesn't seem like a society that eats bread, but then again, what do I know. I've never been there. I do know that when Japanese admire something, or someone they go for it. It's a respect thing. So they must love bread. The French managed to burn their bread! Their French! Known for their bread, everyone tries to make a baguette like the French.. but they still managed to come in 4th in the world. It's fixed... I tell you. US came in a lame second.

We've been having rain lately, but now it's back to being warm. Today it's supposed to be up in the 70's. WOW!

Someone seriously needs to save me from my work place. I don't know what it is, but everyone seems to be uber religious. We're at school folks. I can't stand it. Hello? Separation of church and state. I'm all for people finding their own spiritual flavor, but it's not appropriate in the work place. What if I bring in my Buddha and Dalai Lama picture, or I start saying Namaste to everyone. Hey, I already throw around Insh'allah, and I'm not even Muslim Whatever people's religion is, I don't really care. But it's just hard to be around it.

I am supposed to find out about the apartment today. I hope it's ago. If I get it, I won't be able to move until the first week or so of December, but it's around the corner. Next weekend I'll be apartment sitting for a friend, and then First weekend in November I head out to Missouri. Then Thanksgiving a few weeks later... And then.. maybe I can move.

Until then, I'm sitting in someone else's classroom, doing my work because I can't seem to get on the internet or server anywhere else.... Don't ask me why, I just work here. (BTW..there is Christian radio on..........at lunch I'm going to get my Ipod out of the car)

Yep, it's Friday

So I can't really check my e-mail today, but I seem to be able to put out a short blog. I can't get on the server for my school district, so I can't do any work. Quel dommage.... Anywho, it's raining up a storm over this way. Which I have to say is kind of a welcome sight to me. Even though (you're going to laugh at this) I left my window open in my car and my driver seat is soaking wet. Yep, never done that one before. I have no idea how I forgot, or got disracted, it must have been that huge package I saw on the doorstep from Amy and Travis, and I couldn't look away, there-by forgetting to put my car window all the way up. So, needless to say, I get in my car at o-dark-thirty (as my dad used to say) and I sit, thinking my car is cold. NO!!! It's wet, silly. I immediately have to run back up two flights of stairs, grab some towels, change my pants, and figure out how to keep myself dry. I ended up putting two towels down and then set my raincoat over it, and I managed to keep semi-dry. My poor car. It's brand new. For sure it's going to smell now. I was doing so well.

And, didn't get coffee today. But classes seem to be going smoothly today, hung up some art work. It isn't all bad. It just started off rather bad. But it's gotten better. Always look on the bright side of life (whistle....).

Today I get to see an apartment! How exciting. I think if it seems clean and decent I'm probably going to take it. I wouldn't be able to move there until around the end of December, so I would have to suffer through the ants and what-nots at the other place. I think she might suspect that I'm looking. I mean, come on, I never ever cook! EVER. What does she think I eat. I think she makes up stories in her head about me. Ha, who knows. I don't know how someone could actually be so clueless to think that this is actually working for me. It works for her. It's her house and she's making a lot of money off of me for doing nothing. I shouldn't sound harsh. She's a nice person. She does a lot. But it's as plain as the nose on my face that it's not working for me. The place that I'm looking at is spacious, and is cheaper than where I live now, and it would probably balance out with a few added utilities. So I'm happy about that. Plus it's either a one bedroom or two bedroom, can't remember which right now... So Pattersons...Welshies.... you could come back and visit this summer and you'd have a room!!
Ok, the bell for lunch rang... it kind of sounds like big Ben..

Where else can one go to meet a.....

..nun who's taught geometry for 40 years
... a clergy from Leeds, England
.... a 3 star general
..... the CEO of National Geographic
...... the Post Master General

I'll tell you where! A Spellman reunion. I was invited to go to the National geographic Museum for a reception with a friend of mine, it was her high school reunion. And who do I get to meet? All those people, and then some. How about an oncologist, or an insurance agent. All kinds were there. It was really funny that I was there. All the people at this cocktail hour were older, and definitely more established. But there is definitely something interesting about being in a room full of all different kinds of people. I also enjoyed the exhibits. Most of it was photography, which is what we always remember about NG. There was an exhibit about football (or soccer as we American like to call it). They had 2 pictures of soccer being played in Egypt, near the Giza pyramids. One of the pictures showed street kids playing soccer in a middle of a dirt road in front of the Great Pyramid, and the other a couple of kids playing soccer with in the walls of the Mena House Hotel. Very interesting to show those too pictures together. It doesn't matter where you come from, or what you do... Apparently soccer (or football) makes the world go 'round.

Anyway, it was an interesting night last night. AND!!! AND!!! I even made it back for he series premiere of LOST! IT was great. I am so addicted. I tried to stay up and watch "The Nine", it looks good, but I just don't want to get interested. I may have to watch it at a later time.

I also listened to " All things Considered" last night while I was going to the event, and they did a little spot on "The Decemberists"! What a great way to end the day. And!! And!! Death Cab will be in town in November.. I really want to go, but I don't know if I can...

Decisions, decisions....

At least I'm alive

The computer is killing me. I can't connect properly to the server. And I have work to do.

The kitchen is filthy. I won't even begin to tell you what was crawling on the floor yesterday. It's enough to make anyone nauseous. But let me just tell you this. Remember that show, "You Can't Do That on Television". That kid show that the friendly neighbors to the north produced and gave us locker jokes like: "Hey Christina" "Yea, Alistair" "Did you hear the one about...?"

Anyway, there was also the "I don't know" slime gimmick, and then who could forget Bart's burgers... was it Bart? Anyway, what they always talked about during that skit, always grossed me out. He always served a special dish.... remember what it was called? Well, I do, and that's why I couldn't eat dinner last night. I don't understand how she lives like she does. Needless to say, I called 4 apartment buildings to inquire about places to live. I just can't be happy there. It's not worth it at all.

This morning there were still ants crawling on the table. It's disgusting. It's been weeks. I couldn't even eat my breakfast. It just stresses me out. It's unnecessary. If she would spend more time caring for her home, she'd probably feel more happy too. I know how I'm going to feel more happy... I'm going to move.

I'd love to buy a place down here and I am going to look into that After all, it's a buyers market right now. However, it may require me to move further out. We'll see how it goes.

Enough ranting for one day. I get to go the National Geographic Society tonight. I'm really excited about that. There's a reception and a speaker. I've never been there, but I hear it absolutely beautiful.

opps

r that amount of time and not going anywhere.

Ok, so I guess my sentence, or my blog, kind of got cut off yesterday. It's probably my fault. I was a bit distracted. It was just one of those days. I spent a couple of hours driving to my parents house, and then just hung out and decided to get on the internet while I was there. It's free and all. And there, and fast.

It was actually a beautiful fall day in the DC area yesterday. I always go on the GW parkway, and it goes along the Potomac River. The water was glistening. The clearest sky. The monuments looked like they actually beamed. It was a picture perfect day. I wish I had my camera, and I would have stopped along the way to take a few pictures. You could see all the monuments, and even the Washington Cathedral in the background along with the old buildings of Georgetown. I told my parents that I wished they had come down instead of me going up there. But, then I never would have been able to stop at the Catoctin Mountain Orchards. I love that place. It's been there for years. And it's a place my family used to stop on the way to my grandparents house, back in the day. Good memories. They still give out free apples. And now they've added more canned goods and jars of their delicious preserves. They have the best apples, and the best apple cider. APPLE CIDER! I love that stuff.

It's been an up and down weekend, but I guess it's something to build on. This week I have a lot of plans to get moving, on moving again.. Not far away, just my own place. I think as soon as I do that, I'll be much better off.

Ok, back to work. It's Monday for sure. Looks like Monday, feels like Monday.. I hope the week goes fast.

At least I didn't have 31 fiascoes...

Yes, each birthday is met with different expectations, and different ideas of what it will be like and how to celebrate, and how it should end. This year is no exception. Aside from the fact that it is a lot different from last year (for one I'm not in Egypt), this year I wanted to do something different, something I had not done before. Well, I did accomplish that. I wanted (wanted....) to go to the wine festival in Leesburg, VA. A nice quaint town on the outskirts of the heavy traffic of the metro area of DC. Katie and I bought out tickets ahead of time on line, and were very excited to go. We met at her house atround 11:00 am, grabbed some coffee and made our way out. Sure we hit a couple of traffic spots, who doesn't? But we were excited to get on our way to drink some wine. We were 5 miles from the venue when we hit the big traffic. 4 lanes were merging together,creating the slowest traffic I had seen sine pre-Iftar traffic exiting the Khan El Khalili! Seriously! We did not move. By the time we reached that area it was already 1 pm. But we thought, surely there must be an accident, or something. No, it was everyone with in the tri-state area heading for this festival. And I exaggerate. These weren't people from teh tristate area, they were all coming from the tri county area! Anyway, it took us another hour to go one mile. One little tiny mile.. I can run a mile in about 7-8 minutes... Ridiculous.. So we go on, we think we can get through, and get to it in a timely fashion. A half hour passes, hardly any movement. People are getting out of their cars to go to a restaurant to use the bathroom, and then walking about a half block to catch up to their car. At that point we're coming up with a plan B. Plan B is to turn around and go out to eat. We give it about 15 more minutes, and realize in about another 1/2 hour people will start exiting the venue and we'll be stuck in the traffic going the other way. So we jump on that. Turn through the median and go back to Manassas park. We hang out, pretend that the Wine Festival was oh so fabulous and a rip roaring good time, and then head out to eat.
Yes, disappointed, I don't think I've sat in a car fo