Merry Christmas!! Matthew and I made it home in very good time on Tuesday and it truly is a blessing to be able to be at home and celebrate the holidays with friends and family! I love seeing my parents every day! They're sitting across from me on the couch reading a book and doing a sudoku and drinking coffee. Because of all the horrible blizzard/snow that Minnesota got, Matthew and his family stayed in EC this yea for Christmas which turned out to be pretty wonderful since he was able to come over yesterday and play games with my family and I was able to see him on Christmas Eve. How wonderful!
The girls and I are having a hotel sleepover today since Emma got a free night so hopefully we'll be having a blast all night! Matthew and I are going to Minneapolis for a few days and coming back to celebrate New Years and the days after in EC. This trip is already going so fast! I'm just so glad we were able to make it home and that I was able to take off so much work at this busy time of the year!
Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad!!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Homeward Bound
Tomorrow, we're off to the land of beer, brats, cheese and Cheeseheads(a land where no one cheers for the Steelers or says yinz)! We leave tomorrow morning around 5am! Wish us luck as we travel across the country in which will, hopefully, be a snow-free trip!
We'll be back to Pittsburgh in the New Year, lol:)
Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, and Happy New Year!!
We'll be back to Pittsburgh in the New Year, lol:)
Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, and Happy New Year!!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Terrific Tuesday!
On Tuesday, I called the PA Dept of Ed to discuss when I'd be getting my teaching certificate (it's been about 4 months..the general wait time is three...) and turns out ETS/Praxis typed in my social security number wrong, by one number, so PDE couldn't accept the scores. Lame. I called ETS and they sent it out and it should get there in 7-10 days ( I hope). My reviewer also told me that my Linguistics course that I took at UMD does not qualify for the math requirement here because it was not given by the MATH department! I have to call UMD and UofM and figure it all out today. Hopefully that class counts, otherwise I'll be given a temporary teaching permit good for one calendar year (until I take the remaining math course). Seriously, as Matthew just said "I thought there was this great teacher licensing reciprocity, whereby if you were licensed in a great state, then you could easily get a license in another state." Needless to say it was a frustrating ride to work, wherein I worked an hour later than expected (until 10:30), went to Target and then finally went home.
Matthew had all the Christmas lights on and our song playing on his Mp3 player. My first thought was that it was "the" moment, though thankfully it was not (aka no proposal *phew*). He had flowers on the table, had bought apple cider and was making me a quesadilla with onions:) What a wonderful guy!
Pretty <3
Matthew had all the Christmas lights on and our song playing on his Mp3 player. My first thought was that it was "the" moment, though thankfully it was not (aka no proposal *phew*). He had flowers on the table, had bought apple cider and was making me a quesadilla with onions:) What a wonderful guy!
Pretty <3
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Countdown to Christmas break
T-minus 7 days! In one week, Matthew and I will be driving home to Wisconsin! Needless to say, I can not wait! It's going to be wonderful to see my family and friends and veg out for the week! The last post was waaaay late at night and I really need to go to bed instead of writing on this thing:)
The Holiday Party at Jessi's house this weekend went really well! Everyone got along, no one got too drunk and the White Elephant went off with only a few glitches (I need to establish some rules ahead of time or the stealing will go on forever)!!
Since I'm a list maker, I've started making lists of all of things that I need to do/buy/organize before we go home for Christmas. Man, do I like making lists. I'm working every day until we leave for Christmas, which is great because it'll make the days go by so much faster! I don't have hours at Kohl's on Thursday but I'm guessing that I'll pick up a sub job at Shaler. If not, I'll be doing laundry, cleaning and packing:)
Time to finally do something about the winter clothes lining my wall! It's sweater time!!
Merry Christmas, blog readers!
The Holiday Party at Jessi's house this weekend went really well! Everyone got along, no one got too drunk and the White Elephant went off with only a few glitches (I need to establish some rules ahead of time or the stealing will go on forever)!!
Since I'm a list maker, I've started making lists of all of things that I need to do/buy/organize before we go home for Christmas. Man, do I like making lists. I'm working every day until we leave for Christmas, which is great because it'll make the days go by so much faster! I don't have hours at Kohl's on Thursday but I'm guessing that I'll pick up a sub job at Shaler. If not, I'll be doing laundry, cleaning and packing:)
Time to finally do something about the winter clothes lining my wall! It's sweater time!!
Merry Christmas, blog readers!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
A little homesick
I remember the feeling of anxiety and excitement I had when it was time for that final year of Marching Band, that final Spat Camp. That year was the hardest for me to go back to Minneapolis. Having spent a semester in Ireland and an AMAZING summer in Eau Claire, coming back to Minneapolis was not as exciting as it usually is. I mean, I was super excited for band, to play, to march, to party, but part of me was very anxious to come back to my friends who I had barely seen since I left for Ireland. 9 months (almost) was a long time to be apart and I was genuinely very worried about fitting back into the swing of things. I remember calling Emily during Spat Camp and being close to tears because I was so homesick. I was not that homesick when I was a freshman at UMD or any other years in Minneapolis because there was always band. But that wasn't enough at the beginning of that Spat Camp. My friends had their own inside jokes, experiences, stories,and boys to talk about; I felt out of the loop.
I feel a similar sort of anxiety about going home to EC. Don't get me wrong, I'm SUPER excited to go home (seriously I'm telling anyone and everyone who will listen to me how excited I am) and see my family and my friends but part of me is really worried. Rachel and Emma have gotten really close since they're both in EC and they have their own group of friends, have a book club, and do their own thing. Alice and Nicole still come home often enough and Siri rarely has come home in the past so maybe it's not so different that she's in NYC. I know that it's irrational, but they've had and done fun, cool stuff that I've missed out on. I hope that everything is okay and that we'll be able to pick up right where we left off. I hope that because we've been friends for such a long time that it's not going to matter and deep down, I know that everything is going to be fine and we'll have an amazing time! I can't help but worry a little bit and feel a little awkward. Ah well, there's nothing I can do except have a great attitude. I can't wait to see Emily either! We have never had a problem picking up where we left off so I have no doubt that the same pattern will hold true over Christmas break:)
Jessi and I are cleaning/baking/preparing food tomorrow when she's done with work in anticipation for the party on Saturday. Next week I work a TON of hours so it's going to be nice to take it easy tomorrow and be busy on Saturday. It's almost 2am so I must get to bed!
I feel a similar sort of anxiety about going home to EC. Don't get me wrong, I'm SUPER excited to go home (seriously I'm telling anyone and everyone who will listen to me how excited I am) and see my family and my friends but part of me is really worried. Rachel and Emma have gotten really close since they're both in EC and they have their own group of friends, have a book club, and do their own thing. Alice and Nicole still come home often enough and Siri rarely has come home in the past so maybe it's not so different that she's in NYC. I know that it's irrational, but they've had and done fun, cool stuff that I've missed out on. I hope that everything is okay and that we'll be able to pick up right where we left off. I hope that because we've been friends for such a long time that it's not going to matter and deep down, I know that everything is going to be fine and we'll have an amazing time! I can't help but worry a little bit and feel a little awkward. Ah well, there's nothing I can do except have a great attitude. I can't wait to see Emily either! We have never had a problem picking up where we left off so I have no doubt that the same pattern will hold true over Christmas break:)
Jessi and I are cleaning/baking/preparing food tomorrow when she's done with work in anticipation for the party on Saturday. Next week I work a TON of hours so it's going to be nice to take it easy tomorrow and be busy on Saturday. It's almost 2am so I must get to bed!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
It's the most wonderful time of the year
Thanksgiving was a blast! I got to "see" my family via a video chat which was almost as good as seeing them in real life. I loved meeting the Lail family, they are very sweet and excellent card players:) Matthew and I went home and passed out in food comas from the delicious feast.
Working Black Friday ended up not being as crazy as I worried it would be. Since I don't shop that day I didn't really know what to expect. Thankfully, there were a lot of employees working so we were able to keep our departments clean, organized and stocked (something that doesn't happen on a typical busy Saturday). Overall, it just felt like a really busy Saturday and I'm glad I survived.
Jessi and I have been getting into the Christmas spirit. Well, I guess she has been ecstatic about Christmas for a long time and her enthusiasm is catching so I can't help but get excited as well. I put up Christmas light, put out holiday towels and candles and we put up (and decorated) our tree last week Thursday. The apartment looks lovely and festive, or as much as it can with the white walls. I'm making cookies today and can't wait to decorate and frost them! We (and by we, I mean Jessi and I are hosting at her house) are having a holiday party on Saturday! I'm hoping it will go off without any hitches (or awkward silences/situations).
We went skating on Friday and I'm so proud of Jessi! I'm glad she braved the ice and made it around the rink a quite a few times AND she didn't fall down (which I, ungracefully, did)! Matthew, myself and some of his CMU friends went to the Pittsburgh-Cincinnati game on Saturday which was a blast, though the Cinci fans were pretty rude, or at the very least class-less. We had dinner at his advisor's house, which to me, wasn't all that fun. We came late and left early and I felt like maybe we shouldn't have gone at all, just because I dunno..I felt uncomfortable and less than welcome, even though his advisor was very welcoming... I think next year I'll let Matthew go by himself:)
The most important thing happening right now is how close going home to Wisconsin is. Each day I get more and more excited to come home and see my family, especially my best girls in EC. I'm excited to be off from work for two weeks filled with days and nights of being with people that I love. Matthew and I are going to Minneapolis for a few days to see college people which should also be tons of fun:)
Our Christmas tree!
Working Black Friday ended up not being as crazy as I worried it would be. Since I don't shop that day I didn't really know what to expect. Thankfully, there were a lot of employees working so we were able to keep our departments clean, organized and stocked (something that doesn't happen on a typical busy Saturday). Overall, it just felt like a really busy Saturday and I'm glad I survived.
Jessi and I have been getting into the Christmas spirit. Well, I guess she has been ecstatic about Christmas for a long time and her enthusiasm is catching so I can't help but get excited as well. I put up Christmas light, put out holiday towels and candles and we put up (and decorated) our tree last week Thursday. The apartment looks lovely and festive, or as much as it can with the white walls. I'm making cookies today and can't wait to decorate and frost them! We (and by we, I mean Jessi and I are hosting at her house) are having a holiday party on Saturday! I'm hoping it will go off without any hitches (or awkward silences/situations).
We went skating on Friday and I'm so proud of Jessi! I'm glad she braved the ice and made it around the rink a quite a few times AND she didn't fall down (which I, ungracefully, did)! Matthew, myself and some of his CMU friends went to the Pittsburgh-Cincinnati game on Saturday which was a blast, though the Cinci fans were pretty rude, or at the very least class-less. We had dinner at his advisor's house, which to me, wasn't all that fun. We came late and left early and I felt like maybe we shouldn't have gone at all, just because I dunno..I felt uncomfortable and less than welcome, even though his advisor was very welcoming... I think next year I'll let Matthew go by himself:)
The most important thing happening right now is how close going home to Wisconsin is. Each day I get more and more excited to come home and see my family, especially my best girls in EC. I'm excited to be off from work for two weeks filled with days and nights of being with people that I love. Matthew and I are going to Minneapolis for a few days to see college people which should also be tons of fun:)
Our Christmas tree!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
New Moon!
New Moon was amaaaazing! Jessi and I had a wonderful time and were sitting between a mother and her two young daughters (one was 9!) and an older Jewish couple (oy vey).
Outside the Kelly house
This picture cannot capture our excitement! We were trying not to squeal too loud!!
Thanksgiving on Thursday! I can't wait!
Outside the Kelly house
This picture cannot capture our excitement! We were trying not to squeal too loud!!
Thanksgiving on Thursday! I can't wait!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Update!
Hello everyone! Sorry for the huge gap in updates but things have been pretty busy around here (or I'm just getting lazy...one or the other).
1. Trip to Minnesota was wonderful! It was cold and snowy but I had a blast seeing all my Minneapolis favorites!
2. The trip to Penn State went well, though it was snowy, cold and we lost the game. It was an odd mix of people who went on the trip (people overall, not the people I came with) and I think that plus the snow made the trip different. I was really glad that I only live three hours from State College and not 16 hours, like the brave souls who drove from Minneapolis
3. I've started subbing at a private school outside of Pittsburgh. Shady Side Academy. Thanks to Emma's dad's girlfriend's daughter, Molly, who lives in Pittsburgh. We've connected and I really like her. She knows all about great restaurants to go to, music to listen to and websites to check out about cool, alternative things happening in the city!
4. Last week, Matthew and I went to see the Quantum Theatre's presentation of Candide. It was a wonderful show and the theatre is close to our house. Hopefully we'll be able to walk there in the summer and take in a show:) The actors had phenomenal voices, good humor and a great set (an old car dealership)!
5. Jessi and I had a Glee marathon on Friday so now she's obsessed with the show:) It's new tonight, so hooray for that!
6. We're seeing New Moon on Saturday and I can't wait!!!
7. Kohl's is kicking into Holiday gear and I'm a little worried about getting stressed out. But, it's a retail job and I can't do much after they turn the lights off. I'll do the best I can not to get stressed. Thankfully, I'm not closing the day after Thanksgiving, just a normal 8-5 (on the most intense shopping day of the year)
8. I can't wait to go home in Eau Claire for the holidays! December 23rd can't come soon enough!
Shout out to the Lail family! I can't wait to meet y'all next week at Thanksgiving!!
1. Trip to Minnesota was wonderful! It was cold and snowy but I had a blast seeing all my Minneapolis favorites!
2. The trip to Penn State went well, though it was snowy, cold and we lost the game. It was an odd mix of people who went on the trip (people overall, not the people I came with) and I think that plus the snow made the trip different. I was really glad that I only live three hours from State College and not 16 hours, like the brave souls who drove from Minneapolis
3. I've started subbing at a private school outside of Pittsburgh. Shady Side Academy. Thanks to Emma's dad's girlfriend's daughter, Molly, who lives in Pittsburgh. We've connected and I really like her. She knows all about great restaurants to go to, music to listen to and websites to check out about cool, alternative things happening in the city!
4. Last week, Matthew and I went to see the Quantum Theatre's presentation of Candide. It was a wonderful show and the theatre is close to our house. Hopefully we'll be able to walk there in the summer and take in a show:) The actors had phenomenal voices, good humor and a great set (an old car dealership)!
5. Jessi and I had a Glee marathon on Friday so now she's obsessed with the show:) It's new tonight, so hooray for that!
6. We're seeing New Moon on Saturday and I can't wait!!!
7. Kohl's is kicking into Holiday gear and I'm a little worried about getting stressed out. But, it's a retail job and I can't do much after they turn the lights off. I'll do the best I can not to get stressed. Thankfully, I'm not closing the day after Thanksgiving, just a normal 8-5 (on the most intense shopping day of the year)
8. I can't wait to go home in Eau Claire for the holidays! December 23rd can't come soon enough!
Shout out to the Lail family! I can't wait to meet y'all next week at Thanksgiving!!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Interesting Questions
Any names your parents were thinking about that you would prefer?
Mom said Eileen, but Dad vetoed that one; I would have been okay with a good Irish name like that!
If you had to pick one outfit that you currently own to wear for the rest of your life, what would it consist of?
Jeans, black flip flops, something comfortable
What do you think is going to happen to you after you die?
Heaven with all my loves
What TV show have you seen every episode of?
Big Bang Theory, The Office, Law and Order SVU
What movie can you quote every line to?
Remember the Titans, Mean Girls
What bands have you seen in concert?
Rascal Flatts, Gaelic Storm
What bands would you like to see in concert?
Flogging Molly, Carrie Underwood, Bruce Springsteen
If you had the money to retire anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Ireland
Is there a piece of jewelry or something similar that if you lost, you would feel naked?
My rings
What is one thing [appearance-wise or other] you would change about yourself?
tummy
One thing you would change about your best friend?
She’d live closer
Everyone remembers their first birthday party that involved friends. Describe yours.
Age five, blow-up pool party, blue cake, naked-ness running around the yard
What do you think is the perfect age and why?
26. Done with school, have a job, in a serious relationship and have a large part of your life figured out!
If you could go back in time and change your first kiss, would you?
No
How many times have you said “I love you” to someone of the opposite sex [romantically] and meant it?
Two and I tell Matthew at least once a day
How many times have you said it and not meant it?
Probably at least once
Which member of your family has the biggest influence on your life?
Mom and Dad are equal in my life, especially in their influences
If you won a $1,000 shopping spree to one store, what store would you want it to be?
Target or The Limited
Which is your favorite comic book movie [The Hulk, Spiderman, Ironman, etc]?
Ummm…mer
What do you think this phrase means: “I am drearily bloodletting this bedwetting cosmonaut”?
I am slowly taking blood from a man with an uncontrolled bowel
If you could go back in time and relive one memory – relive it, not change it – what memory would it be?
Pracna, Sunglasses at night, 2008
How old were you when you learned how to ride a bike?
Around 5. I got a two-wheeler for my birthday!
Who taught you?
Mom and Dad (whomever was less busy) and I didn’t use training wheels!
When you go to the movies, do you like to get candy or popcorn?
Usually popcorn
Describe the first real party you ever went to [i.e. first party with alcohol].
Post Game 2005
If you’ve never been to one, explain why not.
Parties are lovely, especially band ones with singing!
Did/do you like high school? Why or why not?
Yep, good friends, teachers and activities.
Do you have ONE best friend, who stands out among all the others, that’s been there for you seemingly forever?
Yes, since as long as I remember
If so, who is it? Emma!
If not, do you prefer having just a group of good friends, or would you like to have that one best friend?
I love having a group of friends!
Do you prefer the sound of electric, acoustic, or steel guitar?
Acoustic guitars are lovely, especially when people sing whilst they play!
Have you ever read the Bible – even just a little part of it?
I have a Bible, I have not read it
Have you ever read the Koran?
Not, but I think it would be really interesting.
What was the best pet you’ve ever had?
All my kitties!
Out of all the states you’ve visited/lived in, which is your favorite?
Minnesota and Wisconsin in a tie. PA is nice but not as great as MN/WI
Do you enjoy jigsaw puzzles?
Yes! I wish I had a big table to put the puzzle on
If you were allowed one murder without punishment, would you do it?
No, what kind of a question is that?!
Where do you keep your wallet when you’re out and about?
In my purse
Have you ever seen a ghost?
No
How about seen things happen that you think were caused by a ghost?
No….
Did you have Beanie Babies as a kid?
Yes, but only a few
Did you have tag protectors for their tags, or did you just rip the tags off?
Left the tags on, but they didn’t have tag protectors
Do you prefer stripes or polka dots?
I like both but seem to have more stripes in my closet, though I would like more polka dots
What’s the best Christmas present you ever received?
I don’t know; I loved getting Kitty Surprise when I was little but also love love love the luggage set I got in 2003
Which of your birthdays was the most memorable?
23…what a great birthday weekend!!
Name one song you can play on an instrument – any instrument.
Rouser
Who taught you to play that song?
Me, I can read music
Out of all the teachers you’ve had, who had the biggest influence on you?
Jessie Dockter and Mr. Raney
Have you ever ridden on a motorcycle?
No, but I really want to!
How about a moped?
Again, I’d like to!
When you were little, what was your favorite Disney movie?
Aladdin
What’s your favorite Disney movie now?
Aladdin and The Lion King
On the opposite sex, do you prefer muscles, average size, or scrawny bodies?
Average, I suppose. I’m dating a nerd:-)
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received from a significant other?
Clover necklace
What’s your favorite kind of chips?
Doritos Cooler Ranch
That you know of, do you have any famous ancestors?
Not that I’m aware of but maybe one of my relatives is an old Irish king (from ages and ages ago)
Did you ever beg your parents for a pony?
No, I really wanted to get a goat; I even offered to build the barn
Would you rather be blind or deaf?
Deaf…there’s an established way to communicate and I like to see things
Is there someone you’ve been enemies with since you were little, and it’s never changed despite growing up and becoming more mature?
Nope
What laundry soap do you think smells the best?
Arm& Hammer
If you’re currently dating someone, would you be ready to elope with them right now if they asked?
Yeah ;)
If you’re not dating someone, can you think of one person that you would elope with right now if they asked?
N/A
Who do you think is the hottest actor/actress in Hollywood right now?
Whomever is on the cover of US Weekly? I’m not all that interested
Do you watch The Office?
Yes!
If you don’t, have you at least seen one episode?
If you haven’t, are you aware that you should be brutally punished?
lol, good point
What’s the stupidest TV show on the air right now?
Rock of Love? Tila Tequila? Other trashy reality shows about finding love?
Have you ever written a song or a poem?
I’m an English major, so yes
If you have, have you ever written a song or a poem for someone?
Yes
Last but not least, type some funny or inspiring lyrics as a closing.
“Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I'm through with playing by the rules
Of someone else's game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It's time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes: and leap!
It's time to try
Defying gravity
I think I'll try
Defying gravity
And you can't pull me down!”
Mom said Eileen, but Dad vetoed that one; I would have been okay with a good Irish name like that!
If you had to pick one outfit that you currently own to wear for the rest of your life, what would it consist of?
Jeans, black flip flops, something comfortable
What do you think is going to happen to you after you die?
Heaven with all my loves
What TV show have you seen every episode of?
Big Bang Theory, The Office, Law and Order SVU
What movie can you quote every line to?
Remember the Titans, Mean Girls
What bands have you seen in concert?
Rascal Flatts, Gaelic Storm
What bands would you like to see in concert?
Flogging Molly, Carrie Underwood, Bruce Springsteen
If you had the money to retire anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Ireland
Is there a piece of jewelry or something similar that if you lost, you would feel naked?
My rings
What is one thing [appearance-wise or other] you would change about yourself?
tummy
One thing you would change about your best friend?
She’d live closer
Everyone remembers their first birthday party that involved friends. Describe yours.
Age five, blow-up pool party, blue cake, naked-ness running around the yard
What do you think is the perfect age and why?
26. Done with school, have a job, in a serious relationship and have a large part of your life figured out!
If you could go back in time and change your first kiss, would you?
No
How many times have you said “I love you” to someone of the opposite sex [romantically] and meant it?
Two and I tell Matthew at least once a day
How many times have you said it and not meant it?
Probably at least once
Which member of your family has the biggest influence on your life?
Mom and Dad are equal in my life, especially in their influences
If you won a $1,000 shopping spree to one store, what store would you want it to be?
Target or The Limited
Which is your favorite comic book movie [The Hulk, Spiderman, Ironman, etc]?
Ummm…mer
What do you think this phrase means: “I am drearily bloodletting this bedwetting cosmonaut”?
I am slowly taking blood from a man with an uncontrolled bowel
If you could go back in time and relive one memory – relive it, not change it – what memory would it be?
Pracna, Sunglasses at night, 2008
How old were you when you learned how to ride a bike?
Around 5. I got a two-wheeler for my birthday!
Who taught you?
Mom and Dad (whomever was less busy) and I didn’t use training wheels!
When you go to the movies, do you like to get candy or popcorn?
Usually popcorn
Describe the first real party you ever went to [i.e. first party with alcohol].
Post Game 2005
If you’ve never been to one, explain why not.
Parties are lovely, especially band ones with singing!
Did/do you like high school? Why or why not?
Yep, good friends, teachers and activities.
Do you have ONE best friend, who stands out among all the others, that’s been there for you seemingly forever?
Yes, since as long as I remember
If so, who is it? Emma!
If not, do you prefer having just a group of good friends, or would you like to have that one best friend?
I love having a group of friends!
Do you prefer the sound of electric, acoustic, or steel guitar?
Acoustic guitars are lovely, especially when people sing whilst they play!
Have you ever read the Bible – even just a little part of it?
I have a Bible, I have not read it
Have you ever read the Koran?
Not, but I think it would be really interesting.
What was the best pet you’ve ever had?
All my kitties!
Out of all the states you’ve visited/lived in, which is your favorite?
Minnesota and Wisconsin in a tie. PA is nice but not as great as MN/WI
Do you enjoy jigsaw puzzles?
Yes! I wish I had a big table to put the puzzle on
If you were allowed one murder without punishment, would you do it?
No, what kind of a question is that?!
Where do you keep your wallet when you’re out and about?
In my purse
Have you ever seen a ghost?
No
How about seen things happen that you think were caused by a ghost?
No….
Did you have Beanie Babies as a kid?
Yes, but only a few
Did you have tag protectors for their tags, or did you just rip the tags off?
Left the tags on, but they didn’t have tag protectors
Do you prefer stripes or polka dots?
I like both but seem to have more stripes in my closet, though I would like more polka dots
What’s the best Christmas present you ever received?
I don’t know; I loved getting Kitty Surprise when I was little but also love love love the luggage set I got in 2003
Which of your birthdays was the most memorable?
23…what a great birthday weekend!!
Name one song you can play on an instrument – any instrument.
Rouser
Who taught you to play that song?
Me, I can read music
Out of all the teachers you’ve had, who had the biggest influence on you?
Jessie Dockter and Mr. Raney
Have you ever ridden on a motorcycle?
No, but I really want to!
How about a moped?
Again, I’d like to!
When you were little, what was your favorite Disney movie?
Aladdin
What’s your favorite Disney movie now?
Aladdin and The Lion King
On the opposite sex, do you prefer muscles, average size, or scrawny bodies?
Average, I suppose. I’m dating a nerd:-)
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received from a significant other?
Clover necklace
What’s your favorite kind of chips?
Doritos Cooler Ranch
That you know of, do you have any famous ancestors?
Not that I’m aware of but maybe one of my relatives is an old Irish king (from ages and ages ago)
Did you ever beg your parents for a pony?
No, I really wanted to get a goat; I even offered to build the barn
Would you rather be blind or deaf?
Deaf…there’s an established way to communicate and I like to see things
Is there someone you’ve been enemies with since you were little, and it’s never changed despite growing up and becoming more mature?
Nope
What laundry soap do you think smells the best?
Arm& Hammer
If you’re currently dating someone, would you be ready to elope with them right now if they asked?
Yeah ;)
If you’re not dating someone, can you think of one person that you would elope with right now if they asked?
N/A
Who do you think is the hottest actor/actress in Hollywood right now?
Whomever is on the cover of US Weekly? I’m not all that interested
Do you watch The Office?
Yes!
If you don’t, have you at least seen one episode?
If you haven’t, are you aware that you should be brutally punished?
lol, good point
What’s the stupidest TV show on the air right now?
Rock of Love? Tila Tequila? Other trashy reality shows about finding love?
Have you ever written a song or a poem?
I’m an English major, so yes
If you have, have you ever written a song or a poem for someone?
Yes
Last but not least, type some funny or inspiring lyrics as a closing.
“Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I'm through with playing by the rules
Of someone else's game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It's time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes: and leap!
It's time to try
Defying gravity
I think I'll try
Defying gravity
And you can't pull me down!”
Thursday, October 8, 2009
T-minus one day until Minnesota!
Tomorrow we leave for Minneapolis. I can not wait to be back in the land of long o's and people who are obsessed with band, the state of Minnesota and Gopher sports! It's going to be a great trip, though slightly exhausting. Regardless, it will be worth every single minute. It's also great because I don't have to leave Matthew at the airport; we're flying back and forth together! How wonderful!
"When the University of Minnesota band strikes up the Rouser, I jump to my feet and am twenty years old again. It's pure reflex. These kids think they're playing a march but when they're older they'll understand. It's not just a march, it's youth, passion, color, courage, the joy of life, and most of all it's Minnesota."
-Garrison Keillor
And Go Gophers!
"When the University of Minnesota band strikes up the Rouser, I jump to my feet and am twenty years old again. It's pure reflex. These kids think they're playing a march but when they're older they'll understand. It's not just a march, it's youth, passion, color, courage, the joy of life, and most of all it's Minnesota."
-Garrison Keillor
And Go Gophers!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Packers and Bean Dip
Last night Matthew and I had people over to watch the Packers/Vikings game. I didn't work yesterday so I cleaned the apartment, which was amazing. I felt really satisfied that I had actually done something yesterday (and the apartment looked really clean). I also made Meg's bean dip and it turned out amazing! It was a hit and a lot of it was eaten! I'm posting the recipe so that all of you readers (whomever you are) can enjoy the glory that is Bean Dip. I do not, however, have a good picture of it. How unfortunate.
1 can Shoepeg corn
1 can pinto beans (drained)
2 cans black eyed peas (drained)
1 of each: red, yellow and green pepper
1/4 of an onion
1 1/3 cup sugar
3/4 cup vinegar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
Cut up the peppers and onions into small pieces. Add to large bowl. Add beans, corn and peas and stir together. Add sugar and vinegar a little at each time, making sure to taste the dip to make sure it doesn't taste too sugary or too vinegar-y. However, the taste is a personal choice so add less sugar if you'd prefer. Drain extra juice out of the bowl and serve with tortilla chips (I recommend the Tostito Scoops).
I'm going home to Minneapolis on Friday!! FRIDAY!! I can't wait!!!
1 can Shoepeg corn
1 can pinto beans (drained)
2 cans black eyed peas (drained)
1 of each: red, yellow and green pepper
1/4 of an onion
1 1/3 cup sugar
3/4 cup vinegar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
Cut up the peppers and onions into small pieces. Add to large bowl. Add beans, corn and peas and stir together. Add sugar and vinegar a little at each time, making sure to taste the dip to make sure it doesn't taste too sugary or too vinegar-y. However, the taste is a personal choice so add less sugar if you'd prefer. Drain extra juice out of the bowl and serve with tortilla chips (I recommend the Tostito Scoops).
I'm going home to Minneapolis on Friday!! FRIDAY!! I can't wait!!!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Axis of Awesome
Check out this awesomeness!
When Matthew was listening to this, I asked him to send me a link so I could put it on my blog and thought ....wow I'm cool. Enjoy:)
When Matthew was listening to this, I asked him to send me a link so I could put it on my blog and thought ....wow I'm cool. Enjoy:)
*Love*
Jessi! She exists! I'm truly grateful that I have such a wonderful friend to share girly things with and who understands our grad student significant others.
The first shot either of us have taken in Pittsburgh! Tequila, complete with salt and lime.
Peanut Butter and Apple Crumble
Matthew's birthday was on Saturday and I made him a delicious crumble/crisp as a birthday cake.
Ingredients:
4 cups sliced, peeled apples
10oz pkg REESE'S Peanut Butter Chips
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons plus 1/2 c all-purpose flour
6 tablespoons butter/margarine
1 cup quick-cooking regular rolled oats
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Whipped cream
Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350 F. Grease 9 inch square baking pan
2. Stir together apples, peanut butter chips, 3/4 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons flour in large bowl. Spread in prepared pan, dot with 2 tablespoons butter. Stir together remaining 1/4 cup sugar, remaining 1/2 cup flour, oats and cinnamon in medium bowl, cut in remaining 4 tablespoons butter until mixture resembles course crumbs. Sprinkle oat mixture over apples
3. Bake 40-45 minutes or until apples are tender and edges are bubbly.
4. Serve warm with whipped cream.
Ingredients:
4 cups sliced, peeled apples
10oz pkg REESE'S Peanut Butter Chips
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons plus 1/2 c all-purpose flour
6 tablespoons butter/margarine
1 cup quick-cooking regular rolled oats
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Whipped cream
Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350 F. Grease 9 inch square baking pan
2. Stir together apples, peanut butter chips, 3/4 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons flour in large bowl. Spread in prepared pan, dot with 2 tablespoons butter. Stir together remaining 1/4 cup sugar, remaining 1/2 cup flour, oats and cinnamon in medium bowl, cut in remaining 4 tablespoons butter until mixture resembles course crumbs. Sprinkle oat mixture over apples
3. Bake 40-45 minutes or until apples are tender and edges are bubbly.
4. Serve warm with whipped cream.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Movies!
Since I came to Pittsburgh I've seen more movies in the 6 weeks I've been here than in the last year in Minneapolis. It's nice to have Jessi as a movie buddy, especially one who enjoys going to see movies for cheap (matinees and weekday nights). We saw Julie & Julia and Love Happens. Both of them were great! Love Happens was a little sadder than I expected it to be but was overall very heart warming. Julie & Julia made me want to cook (or at least make me strive to be a better cook overall) and appreciate food. I realized that there are so many things that I don't know how to cook. Matthew wants a steak for his birthday; he picked out the meat and I have to figure out how to cook it on Saturday. Hopefully it doesn't taste weird and he likes it!
The G-20 is here in Pittsburgh which makes the city extra paranoid. They closed the Giant Eagle (grocery store) near our apartment at 5pm (it's usually open until 11pm/midnight) because of a potential protest. Matthew said that the security and stuff at CMU was extra tight though there seemed to be less students on campus. Today was a perfect Pittsburgh day: rainy and then sunny, super humid, and sunny enough that you need to squint but with shades on it's almost too dark. What a weird city:)
I can't believe we're going home in two weeks!!! I can't wait to be back in Minnesota during the fall (since it's my favorite season)!!
Work 10-5 tomorrow and then home to make Matthew's birthday cake and clean the apartment!
The G-20 is here in Pittsburgh which makes the city extra paranoid. They closed the Giant Eagle (grocery store) near our apartment at 5pm (it's usually open until 11pm/midnight) because of a potential protest. Matthew said that the security and stuff at CMU was extra tight though there seemed to be less students on campus. Today was a perfect Pittsburgh day: rainy and then sunny, super humid, and sunny enough that you need to squint but with shades on it's almost too dark. What a weird city:)
I can't believe we're going home in two weeks!!! I can't wait to be back in Minnesota during the fall (since it's my favorite season)!!
Work 10-5 tomorrow and then home to make Matthew's birthday cake and clean the apartment!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Work-ski
Last night I had my orientation at Kohl's. I'm excited to work and to be busy. My teaching license still isn't processed but when I visited the Shaler Area School District on Monday they checked on my license status and the PA Dept of Ed is about three weeks behind on processing licenses. Hopefully I'll get my license in time for the October hiring of teachers. That gives me about a month to get used to/like working for Kohl's. So far all the employees that I've met have been really nice and the girls who were in my group yesterday were nice as well. It's just retail but it's going to help pay the rent and keep me busy, which is more than I can ask for, especially after my month of unemployment.
I just walked to the mechanic to pick up the car and it felt really good. It's a big change not to walk or ride my bike to class/work or to be outside for 10 hours a day running rides. Granted, I really like not having homework and not working at Comotown but I do miss having academic types of things to do. I'm really excited to be a substitute teacher and hopefully get my foot in the door for next year so I can get a full time (or at least .6) teaching job with benefits and all of that.
I can't wait for Homecoming and the Penn State trip. I really really hope that I can get the days off. The request off sheet was really really full for the weekend of Oct 9-11 but I honestly have no choice. We bought the plane tickets so we have to go. I guess at the least, I could work that Friday until 2pm or so; we need to be to the airport on time so we don't miss our flight. I'm sure it'll work out, it always does. Robin and Larson (with a little help from yours truly) came up with a sweet shirt idea and I hope that everyone who goes on the trip will get one, or at least wear a maroon shirt so we can ruin their white out!
Jessi and I hung out on Monday and it was lovely. I really like hanging out with her; it's so wonderful to have a girl to talk to who is here! Not to mention having someone to give input on clothes/shopping and other such girly things.
We also went to the Pittsburgh Irish Festival and it was amazing! I loved Gaelic Storm (drool on their Irish accents) and POGEY (they're from Canada and had sweet accents) and their music! There were little kids dancing to the music and it made me think of myself, Emma and Jake dancing at outdoor music when we were little. Oh those carefree days. There were wonderful crafts, music and dancing. The only downside was the lack of beer variety; you'd think for a large city's Irish Festival that there would be more options (especially since Irish people enjoy their drink).
Go Gophers!!
I just walked to the mechanic to pick up the car and it felt really good. It's a big change not to walk or ride my bike to class/work or to be outside for 10 hours a day running rides. Granted, I really like not having homework and not working at Comotown but I do miss having academic types of things to do. I'm really excited to be a substitute teacher and hopefully get my foot in the door for next year so I can get a full time (or at least .6) teaching job with benefits and all of that.
I can't wait for Homecoming and the Penn State trip. I really really hope that I can get the days off. The request off sheet was really really full for the weekend of Oct 9-11 but I honestly have no choice. We bought the plane tickets so we have to go. I guess at the least, I could work that Friday until 2pm or so; we need to be to the airport on time so we don't miss our flight. I'm sure it'll work out, it always does. Robin and Larson (with a little help from yours truly) came up with a sweet shirt idea and I hope that everyone who goes on the trip will get one, or at least wear a maroon shirt so we can ruin their white out!
Jessi and I hung out on Monday and it was lovely. I really like hanging out with her; it's so wonderful to have a girl to talk to who is here! Not to mention having someone to give input on clothes/shopping and other such girly things.
We also went to the Pittsburgh Irish Festival and it was amazing! I loved Gaelic Storm (drool on their Irish accents) and POGEY (they're from Canada and had sweet accents) and their music! There were little kids dancing to the music and it made me think of myself, Emma and Jake dancing at outdoor music when we were little. Oh those carefree days. There were wonderful crafts, music and dancing. The only downside was the lack of beer variety; you'd think for a large city's Irish Festival that there would be more options (especially since Irish people enjoy their drink).
Go Gophers!!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Pittsburgh
I've moved to Pittsburgh and I'm really liking it so far. I'm still unemployed, which is alright, but I'm getting anxious to be starting something new and doing things outside of the house. I have orientation at Kohl's on Tuesday and will hopefully be working as much as possible until my PA teaching certificate is processed. The Pennsylvania Department of Education has my application and it is currently "On Hand" which, according to their website, means that someone is evaluating my credentials and qualifications. Hopefully once all my clearances go through and my teaching license is processed, I'll be able to start having interviews for subbing positions, which is what I'm looking for right now. Subbing is what I want to do right now since I'm not entirely familiar with the school districts around here. Pittsburgh Public Schools would be lovely since it's so nearby but again, I'm waiting on my license.
Living with Matthew is interesting and I really do like being able to see him every day. I miss living with girls who watch trashy TV like ANTM, Project Runway and Gossip Girl, but it's okay:) Matthew's friends are fantastic (and nerdy which I love) and I've met some fabulous girls. I'm closest to Jessi and I feel like I can talk to her about anything; she understands that these boys are always doing work, research and homework and are just busy.
I bought a desk yesterday and am going to set it up. Our office looks much better now that we both have desks and things in there. Matthew's nerd stuff is all over the room so I might need to move some of those things but at least it'll keep me busy today!
I'm missing Minneapolis, but Matthew and I will be back on Friday October 9th for the Homecoming game/festivities. I can't wait to see the new stadium and all my girls. I really hope that the EC ladies can make it over on that Sunday! Off to organized my new desk!
Living with Matthew is interesting and I really do like being able to see him every day. I miss living with girls who watch trashy TV like ANTM, Project Runway and Gossip Girl, but it's okay:) Matthew's friends are fantastic (and nerdy which I love) and I've met some fabulous girls. I'm closest to Jessi and I feel like I can talk to her about anything; she understands that these boys are always doing work, research and homework and are just busy.
I bought a desk yesterday and am going to set it up. Our office looks much better now that we both have desks and things in there. Matthew's nerd stuff is all over the room so I might need to move some of those things but at least it'll keep me busy today!
I'm missing Minneapolis, but Matthew and I will be back on Friday October 9th for the Homecoming game/festivities. I can't wait to see the new stadium and all my girls. I really hope that the EC ladies can make it over on that Sunday! Off to organized my new desk!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Oh the places you'll go...there's no place like HOME!
So I'm stepping outside the quest for describing my personal literacy transformation because I wanted to catalog something else. Being a typical college student, I've done my share of moving so I thought that I would capture these moves (or the different places I've lived in) through a collage of images. I'm not entirely sure if this is what constitutes the "Visual Essay" but I'm going to take a stab at it and hope that it works out. I had fun compiling things to say the least.
Overall I found this assignment very enjoyable. I liked putting together the pictures and it made me think about the awesome friends I made in each of these places and how significant they all are in my life. Each place represents, I feel, a different chapter in my life and as they say, a picture is worth 1000 words so it's easier to make a collage than write a detailed description of my nine months at UMD. I found it much easier to capture several memories at once in the pictures. For example, one of the pictures in the UMD collage is of me in a pep band rugby with two of my friends from freshman year but it speaks to me and it might not speak to others as directly. I feel that when doing creative writing, the purpose may be to entertain the reader but I also think that it's important to convey feelings and emotions and maybe even inside jokes that are funny to the writer to make it more personal. As our students move into a generation where textoids, youtube and Facebook will replace reading articles, watching DVDs and meeting people in real life, it makes sense that assignments about personal narrative/exploration reflect this change. I know that working with these photos was a trip down memory lane and I remembered what my dorm room looked and felt like in Griggs and how I loved being home in Summer 2007. I think visual literacy has the power to engage more students and to perhaps increase the depth of expression, connection and agency a student feels because it isn't just words on a page; the impact of the image (with limited explanation) is immediate and a reader doesn't have to search as deeply to find the author's meaning within a complex text.
Overall I found this assignment very enjoyable. I liked putting together the pictures and it made me think about the awesome friends I made in each of these places and how significant they all are in my life. Each place represents, I feel, a different chapter in my life and as they say, a picture is worth 1000 words so it's easier to make a collage than write a detailed description of my nine months at UMD. I found it much easier to capture several memories at once in the pictures. For example, one of the pictures in the UMD collage is of me in a pep band rugby with two of my friends from freshman year but it speaks to me and it might not speak to others as directly. I feel that when doing creative writing, the purpose may be to entertain the reader but I also think that it's important to convey feelings and emotions and maybe even inside jokes that are funny to the writer to make it more personal. As our students move into a generation where textoids, youtube and Facebook will replace reading articles, watching DVDs and meeting people in real life, it makes sense that assignments about personal narrative/exploration reflect this change. I know that working with these photos was a trip down memory lane and I remembered what my dorm room looked and felt like in Griggs and how I loved being home in Summer 2007. I think visual literacy has the power to engage more students and to perhaps increase the depth of expression, connection and agency a student feels because it isn't just words on a page; the impact of the image (with limited explanation) is immediate and a reader doesn't have to search as deeply to find the author's meaning within a complex text.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
For February 26
As I sit down to write this, I realize that we are all enacting digital writing on an article about digital writing; dare I say it, having a meta-digital writing experience!
That being said I found Beach's introduction/piece a little unsatisfactory. Since I'm going to be using blogs and wikis in my classes at Central, I was looking for some more concrete evidence, or just something else, I'm not really sure to be honest. I liked the example of using the blogs at Edina H.S and how the students "were much more engaged than they had been in their face-to-face discussions...students' own questions were driving their discussions" (Beach et al 1); it made me question the use and purpose of the blogs at Central. Are my students there getting to this level of engagement or depth of response with their blogs, or are they simply another medium through which to write a structured assignment? Is it my responsibility to change the level of usage (or depth of responses) as a student teacher or do I merely maintain the use? I know that for many students access is a problem and I wish that this article had addressed that in a little more depth; perhaps it is explained more fully in the actual text but it seemed to me that there weren't a whole lot of solutions for low income schools, except to get as much lab time as possible. Beach and company write that "when students have their own laptops in classrooms, they are seven times more likely to use computers, 40 times more likely to do their own composing...had higher levels of motivation than student with access to shared lab/cart computer access" (Beach et al 14). To me, this seems like a no brainer! If students have the computers available to them every day, of course it's more likely that a teacher will incorporate them into the class and increased use will cause increased comfort which would increase motivation to use computers (since the proficiency is higher)!
I feel that as of late, my journaling has been more of ranting that positive comments but maybe that's just the way I have to approach everything--which a super critical eye instead of taking it in aesthetically...*shrugs* I liked the Beach article because it really makes me question the use of the blogs and wikis in the class I'm going to be student teaching in. I hope that I'll be able to incorporate the use of the blogs more, but I understand that access is a problem. Access is one thing that I'm not sure how to address. Do I make exceptions for kids who didn't have a chance to type it up? Go to the computer lab? Give them a pass to go to the library to type it up and miss class time? Or are the expectations high enough that students will take the time to make arrangements to work after school, at a local library or at a friend's house to get the paper/blog typed up?
Links of the week:
Class wikis for the courses I'll be teaching at Central, an actual use of digital writing and digital literacy.
http://centralenglish12.pbwiki.com/
http://10ib.pbwiki.com/
That being said I found Beach's introduction/piece a little unsatisfactory. Since I'm going to be using blogs and wikis in my classes at Central, I was looking for some more concrete evidence, or just something else, I'm not really sure to be honest. I liked the example of using the blogs at Edina H.S and how the students "were much more engaged than they had been in their face-to-face discussions...students' own questions were driving their discussions" (Beach et al 1); it made me question the use and purpose of the blogs at Central. Are my students there getting to this level of engagement or depth of response with their blogs, or are they simply another medium through which to write a structured assignment? Is it my responsibility to change the level of usage (or depth of responses) as a student teacher or do I merely maintain the use? I know that for many students access is a problem and I wish that this article had addressed that in a little more depth; perhaps it is explained more fully in the actual text but it seemed to me that there weren't a whole lot of solutions for low income schools, except to get as much lab time as possible. Beach and company write that "when students have their own laptops in classrooms, they are seven times more likely to use computers, 40 times more likely to do their own composing...had higher levels of motivation than student with access to shared lab/cart computer access" (Beach et al 14). To me, this seems like a no brainer! If students have the computers available to them every day, of course it's more likely that a teacher will incorporate them into the class and increased use will cause increased comfort which would increase motivation to use computers (since the proficiency is higher)!
I feel that as of late, my journaling has been more of ranting that positive comments but maybe that's just the way I have to approach everything--which a super critical eye instead of taking it in aesthetically...*shrugs* I liked the Beach article because it really makes me question the use of the blogs and wikis in the class I'm going to be student teaching in. I hope that I'll be able to incorporate the use of the blogs more, but I understand that access is a problem. Access is one thing that I'm not sure how to address. Do I make exceptions for kids who didn't have a chance to type it up? Go to the computer lab? Give them a pass to go to the library to type it up and miss class time? Or are the expectations high enough that students will take the time to make arrangements to work after school, at a local library or at a friend's house to get the paper/blog typed up?
Links of the week:
Class wikis for the courses I'll be teaching at Central, an actual use of digital writing and digital literacy.
http://centralenglish12.pbwiki.com/
http://10ib.pbwiki.com/
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
For February 19
Wow, it's already 10:30! I really should get motivated earlier in the day:) Today has been quite a positive day and I finally had an epiphany (well it's about time...) about my lesson planning so I'll hopefully be able to get down to some hardcore planning soon!
These readings today were useful. The Dornan touched on standardized assessment and I would like to steer clear of a heated discussion of the horrors of standardized assessment and AYP and NCLB and all of those other acronyms of doom. However I found one quote intriguing and I can't help but put it on here. Randy Bomer (in Dornan) says "high-stakes testing is a failure of democracy: it presents unequal structures of opportunity, it closes off inquiry, it allows the corporatization of education, it disenfranchises the people most affected by it because the public sphere is no longer available, and it creates an oppressive school environment" (Dornan 213). Sounds like he's pretty much summed up a lot of how we all feel about teaching to tests and being smothered by adherence to standards.
The rest of the Dornan chapter was quite interesting. I liked that he made some distinctions between "response, assessment, evaluation, grading" (Dornan 183); these distinctions are something I guess I thought I inherently knew but having it written down in a text book and explained to me, makes it all the more real. I feel like these definitions are something I should cut out and post over my desk (or wherever I'm grading papers) to remind me what I'm doing while grading. Dornan mentions that teachers shouldn't use red pens to correct because of the negative connotations that are wrapped up in pages of markings (186); now I know that it's bad to use the red pen, but there is such power in that thin tube of ink and the slashes it makes in the margins or on the words. I know I received many papers back full of red pen and yes, it was a little intimidating and I can see the validity of not using them, but as an-about-to-be-teacher, I am ready for the tables to turn and to be the one making the slashes over misspelled words and tense shifts.
Adger's text about dialects wasn't something that I had considered when teaching writing. I understand the differences between vocab/usage/mechanics in written and spoken word but I guess I only ever thought of this difference in terms of students who are learning English, not those who speak with a different dialect of American English. The thing I found most surprising is that "organization problems may relate to culturally based expectations for how to tell a story or make an argument" (Adger 115); this was just something I had never considered. I never occurred to me that culture and language can affect the organization of a paper. Adger also talks about students having experiences "in writing for a wide range of audiences, both inside and outside of school" (Adger 118) and I feel that this would be an excellent way to incorporate using a Multi-Genre paper. Students could write pieces in their vernacular dialect and mix in a piece using Standard English, validating both expressions of language. Adger had a lot to say in this short chapter and I think that vernacular and dialect are things that we all need to consider as we start teaching; if we move to other cities or other countries, how will changes in dialect and vernacular affect our lessons? Will we have to be more flexible and less critical since our students may not speak or write with a traditional Minnesotan/Wisconsinite accent?
Let us not forget that "the profession has no accepted definition or criteria for what 'good writing' really consists of" (Dornan 181).
Michael Perry, a writer from New Auburn, Wisconsin, writing about his life in the small town of 485ish people. His dialect and writing are a combination of informal storytelling and somewhat formal language and structure. Read his biography, it's great:) http://www.sneezingcow.com/index.htm His stories are valid, I feel because Perry employs such passion and love for seemingly every day events through dialect that is very accessible to people living in the Midwest. Perhaps he is an alternative to Garrison Keillor (for those of you who find him less than pleasing)?
These readings today were useful. The Dornan touched on standardized assessment and I would like to steer clear of a heated discussion of the horrors of standardized assessment and AYP and NCLB and all of those other acronyms of doom. However I found one quote intriguing and I can't help but put it on here. Randy Bomer (in Dornan) says "high-stakes testing is a failure of democracy: it presents unequal structures of opportunity, it closes off inquiry, it allows the corporatization of education, it disenfranchises the people most affected by it because the public sphere is no longer available, and it creates an oppressive school environment" (Dornan 213). Sounds like he's pretty much summed up a lot of how we all feel about teaching to tests and being smothered by adherence to standards.
The rest of the Dornan chapter was quite interesting. I liked that he made some distinctions between "response, assessment, evaluation, grading" (Dornan 183); these distinctions are something I guess I thought I inherently knew but having it written down in a text book and explained to me, makes it all the more real. I feel like these definitions are something I should cut out and post over my desk (or wherever I'm grading papers) to remind me what I'm doing while grading. Dornan mentions that teachers shouldn't use red pens to correct because of the negative connotations that are wrapped up in pages of markings (186); now I know that it's bad to use the red pen, but there is such power in that thin tube of ink and the slashes it makes in the margins or on the words. I know I received many papers back full of red pen and yes, it was a little intimidating and I can see the validity of not using them, but as an-about-to-be-teacher, I am ready for the tables to turn and to be the one making the slashes over misspelled words and tense shifts.
Adger's text about dialects wasn't something that I had considered when teaching writing. I understand the differences between vocab/usage/mechanics in written and spoken word but I guess I only ever thought of this difference in terms of students who are learning English, not those who speak with a different dialect of American English. The thing I found most surprising is that "organization problems may relate to culturally based expectations for how to tell a story or make an argument" (Adger 115); this was just something I had never considered. I never occurred to me that culture and language can affect the organization of a paper. Adger also talks about students having experiences "in writing for a wide range of audiences, both inside and outside of school" (Adger 118) and I feel that this would be an excellent way to incorporate using a Multi-Genre paper. Students could write pieces in their vernacular dialect and mix in a piece using Standard English, validating both expressions of language. Adger had a lot to say in this short chapter and I think that vernacular and dialect are things that we all need to consider as we start teaching; if we move to other cities or other countries, how will changes in dialect and vernacular affect our lessons? Will we have to be more flexible and less critical since our students may not speak or write with a traditional Minnesotan/Wisconsinite accent?
Let us not forget that "the profession has no accepted definition or criteria for what 'good writing' really consists of" (Dornan 181).
Michael Perry, a writer from New Auburn, Wisconsin, writing about his life in the small town of 485ish people. His dialect and writing are a combination of informal storytelling and somewhat formal language and structure. Read his biography, it's great:) http://www.sneezingcow.com/index.htm His stories are valid, I feel because Perry employs such passion and love for seemingly every day events through dialect that is very accessible to people living in the Midwest. Perhaps he is an alternative to Garrison Keillor (for those of you who find him less than pleasing)?
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
For February 12
Dornan’s text seems to me, a listing of what exactly should be taught in the context of student writing. I enjoy that the writers of the text realize that “grammar, usage and mechanics should not be codified into a pre-determined sequence of skills to master at teach grade level” (Dornan 92) but it seemed like the writers fell short of providing some actual strategies of how to incorporate the intended conventions into teaching writing. For each set of concepts/terms, Dornan et al addresses the what, why and objectives but doesn’t provide concrete descriptions how to actually do it! The writers list concepts that should be addressed at the very least, which are helpful for making a general outline but not help with the execution. If I’m going to spend time reading a text book chapter about teaching grammar, something that is loathed by so many educators, it would be the most beneficial to have some practical usage portions to enhance the incorporation of grammar, usage and mechanics into the classroom.
Now I’m biased because I think Mechanically Inclined, by Jeff Anderson, is an excellent text with practical, useful examples of how to incorporate teaching grammar, mechanics and usage into the writer’s workshop model. Anderson admits in the beginning of his work that he didn’t like grammar and wasn’t very good at it, but knew he had to write the book because of his intentions for “students and teachers to view grammar and mechanics as a creational facility rather than a correctional one. The teaching of conventions is about what punctuation can do to enhance the writer’s message”(Anderson 14). The book is very accessible and I feel chock full of useful, relevant information such as, “we will save ourselves a lot of frustration if we shift our notion of teaching punctuation and grammar to one of teaching principles instead of rules” (Anderson 4). Rules are to be learned by rote and repetition and I feel that principles are learned by practicing them in context.
However both Dornan et al and Anderson realize that teaching grammar, usage and mechanics is the most useful when “students’ developmental needs as writers” (Dornan 92) are being met. Anderson suggests that “...we need to analyze students’ writing, looking for patterns of error, but beyond that what matters most...Match it up with what’s tested on editing and grammar examinations. Match it up with your state standards” (Anderson 7). I feel that teaching what is the most relevant to my students is what will make the lessons actually stick and make the most lasting impact. If the lesson isn’t something that is directly applicable to them, then what’s the point? All our classes keep reiterating that we need to make our lessons relevant to life outside of school and I think proper grammar, usage and mechanics are such a thing. A student needs to make sure that their point is clear on a job application, a scholarship application, a college essay, an email sent to an adult or professional and of course for school work.
Oh grammar, how I love thee; it’s so math-y and formulaic and I think that’s what draws me in. There’s almost always a right answer and the possibility for change requires only the smallest misplacement of a pronoun. Finding the errors and dissecting sentences is something that I love doing. Although, I know that that the approach of going crazy finding all the mechanical errors in a student’s paper is pretty ridiculous and doesn’t necessarily accomplish anything (except generate a false positive or over generalization about a usage rule)
Fulwiler’s article was really interesting and made me regret my papers, hastily written in the 24 hours before the due date, with editing and revision (if any) done in the wee hours of the morning. There’s something so satisfying about revision and making a story even better; I enjoyed Fulwiler’s different approaches and liked how he lazered in on specific things to help the students’ writing get better. I know in middle school when I finished my first typed draft, I took it home and essentially rewrote the entire thing, maintaining main characters and a basic plot structure. I remember coming to class and conferencing with the teacher and her being shocked with all of the revision I had done. As a result of my mom’s persistence in “show don’t tell” and making sure my tenses were correct, I enjoy helping people revise their work and aiding in the improvement of their draft. I remember Mom asking questions that my 13 year old self thought impossible to answer, but as I grew older, I asked those questions to the writer whose paper I was looking over.
As a joke, I'll post the link Patrick sent out this morning.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mj6QqCH7g0Q&feature=PlayList&p=7A8DEFACBFDCE336&playnext=1&index=16
Writer's Toolbox: http://www.writers-toolbox.com/default.asp
This website is, granted trying to sell you something, but none the less interesting. The software being advertised looks really intersting and seems like a great way for writers to organize their thoughts and ideas; this website also has prompts/questions to better define and break down the parts of a scene, story and characters.
Now I’m biased because I think Mechanically Inclined, by Jeff Anderson, is an excellent text with practical, useful examples of how to incorporate teaching grammar, mechanics and usage into the writer’s workshop model. Anderson admits in the beginning of his work that he didn’t like grammar and wasn’t very good at it, but knew he had to write the book because of his intentions for “students and teachers to view grammar and mechanics as a creational facility rather than a correctional one. The teaching of conventions is about what punctuation can do to enhance the writer’s message”(Anderson 14). The book is very accessible and I feel chock full of useful, relevant information such as, “we will save ourselves a lot of frustration if we shift our notion of teaching punctuation and grammar to one of teaching principles instead of rules” (Anderson 4). Rules are to be learned by rote and repetition and I feel that principles are learned by practicing them in context.
However both Dornan et al and Anderson realize that teaching grammar, usage and mechanics is the most useful when “students’ developmental needs as writers” (Dornan 92) are being met. Anderson suggests that “...we need to analyze students’ writing, looking for patterns of error, but beyond that what matters most...Match it up with what’s tested on editing and grammar examinations. Match it up with your state standards” (Anderson 7). I feel that teaching what is the most relevant to my students is what will make the lessons actually stick and make the most lasting impact. If the lesson isn’t something that is directly applicable to them, then what’s the point? All our classes keep reiterating that we need to make our lessons relevant to life outside of school and I think proper grammar, usage and mechanics are such a thing. A student needs to make sure that their point is clear on a job application, a scholarship application, a college essay, an email sent to an adult or professional and of course for school work.
Oh grammar, how I love thee; it’s so math-y and formulaic and I think that’s what draws me in. There’s almost always a right answer and the possibility for change requires only the smallest misplacement of a pronoun. Finding the errors and dissecting sentences is something that I love doing. Although, I know that that the approach of going crazy finding all the mechanical errors in a student’s paper is pretty ridiculous and doesn’t necessarily accomplish anything (except generate a false positive or over generalization about a usage rule)
Fulwiler’s article was really interesting and made me regret my papers, hastily written in the 24 hours before the due date, with editing and revision (if any) done in the wee hours of the morning. There’s something so satisfying about revision and making a story even better; I enjoyed Fulwiler’s different approaches and liked how he lazered in on specific things to help the students’ writing get better. I know in middle school when I finished my first typed draft, I took it home and essentially rewrote the entire thing, maintaining main characters and a basic plot structure. I remember coming to class and conferencing with the teacher and her being shocked with all of the revision I had done. As a result of my mom’s persistence in “show don’t tell” and making sure my tenses were correct, I enjoy helping people revise their work and aiding in the improvement of their draft. I remember Mom asking questions that my 13 year old self thought impossible to answer, but as I grew older, I asked those questions to the writer whose paper I was looking over.
As a joke, I'll post the link Patrick sent out this morning.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mj6QqCH7g0Q&feature=PlayList&p=7A8DEFACBFDCE336&playnext=1&index=16
Writer's Toolbox: http://www.writers-toolbox.com/default.asp
This website is, granted trying to sell you something, but none the less interesting. The software being advertised looks really intersting and seems like a great way for writers to organize their thoughts and ideas; this website also has prompts/questions to better define and break down the parts of a scene, story and characters.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
For February 5
I enjoyed the readings for this week's class and although I haven't finished the Romano text (tomorrow after work, I promise), I'm glad people are writing critical pieces that aren't just shouting (as some authors do in academic papers) about the horrors of the Five Paragraph Essay (FPE), but providing some evidence and personal testimony. Wesley recognizes that “the principles of unity, coherence and development that the five paragraph theme purports to teach” (Wesley 60) are good concepts to use in a classroom but realizes that there are better ways to do it. As a student taking a timed exam, organization was something that I know I lacked and having the good ole five paragraph essay format on stand-by was truly helpful in getting my words out on paper. The FPE shouldn’t have to be the stand by for organization, there has got to be another way to teach essay organization that doesn’t entirely squish student ideas into three paragraphs. I like the multigenre approach, but I don’t feel that standardized test graders would; it seems far too opened ended.
Wesley addressed the question of “how do I create writing assignments that encourage risk-taking and mental growth without letting good organizational strategies go by the wayside” (Wesley 59) and it is something that I also am struggling to get past. I want my students to explore their creativity and to express themselves in different ways, to (as the cliché says) think outside of the box. I feel that sometimes too much creativity leads to chaos and disorganization; it also has the potential to miss the main point of an assignment. I’m an outliner, a list maker and post-it note user and too much chaos drives me crazy; I think that letting go and allowing the students to do their own thing is something I will struggle with. It’s so much easier to give an objective test and have a certain expectation of class grades than spend all the time grading a special project. But, I feel like the students get so much more out of the unique projects.
Sherri Larson’s contribution (I don’t know if it’s necessarily an academic article as it is an actual account of what happened in her classroom) is outstanding. It showed to me that the inspiring idea of multigenre writing can be done in Minnesota and fulfill the state standards! I liked that she was willing to share her students’ journal entries; to me the students’ opinions and enthusiasm about the project means more than an academic article about it. One of the students is quoted as saying “some days, this project doesn’t even feel like work. I love my topic....I wonder if she’ll say no to any ideas I suggest for this project!” (Larson 187) Having student choice is crucial! Without it, I think that the joy and creativity of the project would be lost and “when students begin to make decisions about their own writing they being to define themselves as writers” (Larson 187)
Other interesting quotes:
“...critiquing these essays effectively helps students to see themselves as critical readers and to understand that the criteria for good writing are subjective and contextual” (Wesley 60).
“Teaching the rules of ‘intellectual property’ are critical elements of the multigenre project” (Larson 184)
Link:
After teaching the five-paragraph essay early in her career, Glenda Moss now describes how it locks students into thinking it is the only way to write. http://www.nwp.org/cs/public/print/resource/405 I found it another look at the rigidity of the five-paragraph form.
Wesley addressed the question of “how do I create writing assignments that encourage risk-taking and mental growth without letting good organizational strategies go by the wayside” (Wesley 59) and it is something that I also am struggling to get past. I want my students to explore their creativity and to express themselves in different ways, to (as the cliché says) think outside of the box. I feel that sometimes too much creativity leads to chaos and disorganization; it also has the potential to miss the main point of an assignment. I’m an outliner, a list maker and post-it note user and too much chaos drives me crazy; I think that letting go and allowing the students to do their own thing is something I will struggle with. It’s so much easier to give an objective test and have a certain expectation of class grades than spend all the time grading a special project. But, I feel like the students get so much more out of the unique projects.
Sherri Larson’s contribution (I don’t know if it’s necessarily an academic article as it is an actual account of what happened in her classroom) is outstanding. It showed to me that the inspiring idea of multigenre writing can be done in Minnesota and fulfill the state standards! I liked that she was willing to share her students’ journal entries; to me the students’ opinions and enthusiasm about the project means more than an academic article about it. One of the students is quoted as saying “some days, this project doesn’t even feel like work. I love my topic....I wonder if she’ll say no to any ideas I suggest for this project!” (Larson 187) Having student choice is crucial! Without it, I think that the joy and creativity of the project would be lost and “when students begin to make decisions about their own writing they being to define themselves as writers” (Larson 187)
Other interesting quotes:
“...critiquing these essays effectively helps students to see themselves as critical readers and to understand that the criteria for good writing are subjective and contextual” (Wesley 60).
“Teaching the rules of ‘intellectual property’ are critical elements of the multigenre project” (Larson 184)
Link:
After teaching the five-paragraph essay early in her career, Glenda Moss now describes how it locks students into thinking it is the only way to write. http://www.nwp.org/cs/public/print/resource/405 I found it another look at the rigidity of the five-paragraph form.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
I read through the Romano text and couldn't put it down. I think it's the practical and personal way that he's approaching the writing of this text. I wanted to keep reading to the next chapter and see what was in store. I think this might be the first time where a textbook (other than one filled with poetry/stories) has held my attention and made me think of potential uses in my classroom. I was (and still am) really wary of teaching creative writing but I now feel that the multigenre approach is the way to go for me!
For January 29
After an exhausting class filled with far too many moments of the deer in the headlights look it was nice to read a text filled with a process that I understand. I loved reading the Dornan chapters about the process (not product) approach to writing. One of the things that hit home with me is the idea of the competing nature of language and thought for dominance in the literary world. The text writes that "most scholars today agree that thought is bound up with language" (4). If thought if bound up with language, then what about a person who can't express their thoughts through language; an ELL student may struggle with written and verbal expression and his or her thoughts are in no way less complex than a student with a mastery of the classroom language. I guess I really started to focus on the importance of writing being a way for students to express themselves and to bring their own lives into their writing, rather than thinking about the five paragraph essay. "Writers use language to create reality of the world and these perceptions in turn create them as thinkers and users of language" (7); it seems that what you write creates an identity for you as a writer and that can be an extremely powerful tool. Dornan also says that "writers necessarily bring their linguistic, cultural, and experiential backgrounds to bear on the writing process, and good writing teachers recognize the legitimacy of those experiences in the writing of their students and nurture them" (6)
I found it really interesting that some schools “...have policies forbidding or limiting that use of personal journals, sometimes as a result of parents’ complaints that they don’t want their children revealing personal family matters in their journals...Under these circumstances the teacher has a responsibility spelled out in some school districts, to report this to the counselor or principal” (48) It seems like in a journal for school a student might not be open about talking about such personal topics as family situations; I would love it if a student was that comfortable with the environment (and the teacher) established in a classroom, that they would be that open to sharing. If the English/Language Arts classroom is the only place where a student feels safe to write their feelings in a journal, then so be it. At least they're getting it off of their mind/chest/heart and onto paper. I really feel like the best writing comes when something in the extreme happens--a death in the family, an engagement, a broken heart. If English is the classroom where a student feels free to write, then they should have that opportunity. I tried to find some information about
The Atwell article was completely different than anything I've read about establishing a Writer's Workshop. I found it really interesting that reading and language arts are separate and the teacher in this article had three days of writer's workshop and two days for teaching literature/grammar/other language arts topics. I think it's a really interesting concept to have Writer's Workshop as the focus of a class, instead of a unit within 8th grade language arts. I took a look at
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)