Merry Christmas!

It's hard to believe that the much anticipated day is over. On Christmas Eve my 7 year old niece was on pins and needles for presents. She was even willing to skip dinner for them. And I realized the major difference between kids and adults at Christmas time is the "now" versus the "anticipation." Personally I love the whole Christmas build-up: Shopping, baking, spending time with friends and family. For the kids, it's all about the presents.

Our celebration this year included some old and (hopefully) new traditions. We changed our Christmas Eve this year, returning to a similar multi generational arrangement we used to have when my grandparents were still with us. In those days we spent Christmas Eve at their house, and had Christmas Day at home with family dinner. When Grams passed in 2001, our Christmas Eve changed. This year we reinstated some of those traditions. We had a snack buffet at my sister's home and spent some time together as a family. We played games and told stories before opening gifts to each other. It was a very nice evening.

Christmas Day dawned early, mostly for Mom. On the 24th she and I made three pies for dinner. On the 25th she made two more. The prime rib went into the oven at 8:30. Then we had breakfast and then my parents and I opened the remainder of our presents. Dinner was scheduled for 2:00ish. (It's always an "ish" at our house.) My sister and her family arrived at 1:00. My aunt, uncle and cousins by 2:00. We spent most of the afternoon just hanging out together, eating, playing games.

Winter Vacation!

The last week has been nuts. Every year before a break of some sort the kids really start to spin out of control. Christmas is the worst. It's that one time of year where everyone is supposed to be happy and healthy. In reality, many kids deal with some pretty big hurdles: family disturbances, no money for food or presents, lack of stability they get from teachers and other staff. The week, for learning is pretty much a wash. But at the same time we can't just coast through one giant week long party either.

From my own personal standpoint, two weeks off is a huge blessing. It's the opportunity to sleep, recharge my energy and enthusiasm, and the opportunity to be elsewhere. And that is where I am. Elsewhere for two whole weeks!

Christmas Lights

Every year one of the local parks is all lit up. It started several years ago by one man, and has evolved into an impressive display coordinated by its own committee. Different areas are sponsored by local businesses and the ticket booths are manned by groups of volunteers. Last night that was up to the high school staff. During my two hour shift I counted over 250 people entering. The price of admission is $1 for anyone over the age of 12. There's also a snack stand with cider, cocoa and other goodies. And last night Santa was attendance.

Getting in the Spirit

In my last post I said how I wasn't feeling very jolly right now. That's starting to change. On Tuesday I was invited to a Christmas Party. This party happens every year, but this is the first time I've gone. Parties can be not so great when you're single, but I'm working on being more social. The evening was fun. We ate, shared some great stories and had a little gift exchange. Those can contentious. My solution, I just bring a gift that I would like to have myself...just in case.

I've also started on the holiday candy making. Two kinds made, three to go. I'll finish up this weekend.

But the really surprising thing that's sort of kicked me into the spirit...Rodeo. Sounds strange, I know. But the National Finals Rodeo is on ESPN every night this week, and seeing Las Vegas decked out for Christmas really flipped a switch for me. I think part of my problem here has been the weather. I'm just not feeling winter. It's too bright. I really don't know how your people in Florida, Southern California and warm, non seasonal places do it.

It's December already?!?!?!?

I am so not ready for the end of the year. I really love December and the preparations for Christmas and New Year's. But this year I feel pretty numb to the whole experience. I can't get myself into the spirit. There are many reasons why, but I'm not going to dwell on them right now.

Decorating has been pretty minimal this year. I put up my little tree in the living room. I know it's practically a sin to go artificial in Oregon, but I do it anyway. I loaded it up with white lights and my collection of star ornaments. The cute retro "feather" tree I found in November is in the bedroom with candy canes and jingle bells. I've pulled out my snowmen tea light holders for the dining table centerpiece, and I've hung my wreaths. That's it. The presents are wrapped, and cards have been mailed. I even wrote a little letter about this blog.

Jury Duty: Comments

I've had a few days to really think about my jury duty experience. It was awful, I won't lie, and if I ever get called again it will be way too soon. I understand the need for democracy in the courtroom, but the fact that human beings can't or won't drop all their baggage at the door to the jury room can be a big stumbling block to achieving any sort of resolution. During the selection process the attorneys take into account things like close ties to people involved in the case, even the witnesses; ties to law enforcement, and whether or not violent crime has been a factor in your life. You can tell who is trying to avoid jury duty by the way certain people plead their own personal case. I feel they should ask who is willing to serve instead of attempting to disqualify people. Of course, who's to say that they'd ever be able to seat a full jury.

Jurors have a difficult job. They're supposed to uses their common sense, but can't ask questions; look at both the real and circumstantial evidence and make a decision. It's not that easy. But I guess it really shouldn't be.

Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday. You don't have to do much more than show up, eat dinner, and hang with friends and/or family. Our family isn't huge, but it's not tiny either. We managed to pack away the best part of a 20 pound bird, 10 pounds of mashed potatoes, stuffing, veggies, and the four pies that mom made. And thankfully, this year, the weather was cooperative enough not to rain so we could get outside for an after dinner walk. But perhaps the greatest moment was watching the men in my family watching "March of the Penguins." You had to be there to really apprecite it.

Friday morning started early. The alarm went off at 3:30 am. Can't miss those sales. It's ridiculous, I know, but it's tradition. And Thanksgiving weekend is all about traditions. We literally shopped until we were about to drop. The great news is that just about all of my Christmas shopping is done!

In our family the Saturday after Thanksgiving has it's own tradition. It's tree cutting day. Yes, my mother always gets her Christmas tree two days after Thanksgiving. She likes to enjoy it for as long as she can. And I don't blame her. I do the same thing!

Brunch with Friends

Other people often find it amazing that I've maintained friendships with my high school pals. My current students are really surprised since many of them can't wait to escape the high school drama and leave those people behind. I don't know whose experiences are more the norm. Those who do stay in touch, or those who do not.

Every year around the holidays a group of us makes the effort to sit down for a couple hours, usually over food of some type, and reconnect our busy lives. Over the years our little group has grown to include spouses, children and occasionally visiting friends and siblings. It's one of the things I really look forward to. Yesterday's get together was bit different. It's the first one in may years without any of the husbands, and it's early in the year, since we usually meet around Christmas. It's been sixteen years since high school, and the four of us who made it yesterday (Jen, Trina, Amy & myself) have seen the world far and wide; had many jobs, homes, experiences, yet there's something still that draws us back to each other, a kind of mini reunion ritual. I for one am grateful for it. So, thank you ladies, and especially Trina for hosting again! Lisa, we missed you! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Jury Duty

It's been a long month of jury duty. Actually, I haven't had the duty, just have had to check in every day. But the message was different yesterday. I had to report this morning, and just my luck, I was selected for the trial. And not a short little one day experience. Oh no, it looks like I'm going to be there all week. Hopefully it won't be held over until next week. I have plans and I don't want to change them! And did I mention that I'll be out of my classroom all week. Not exactly happy about that either. Oh well.

I know a trial by jury is a constitutional right. And, lover of the democratic process that I am, I wouldn't change that. I really do believe the U.S. Constitution is a wonderful document and the rights of U.S. citizens should not be abridged. I do, however, have problem with the circuitous and labyrinthine process that trial lawyers take. And the means which potential jurors use to get away with not doing their duty.

Parental Visit

My parents came to visit this weekend. It's always nice to have company. Sometimes life gets a little to self-centered. We had a great few days. There were Christmas bazaars to visit, and a trip out of town for some shopping. Unfortunately our usual coastal activities were quelled by the fact that the weather was awful. Not surprising, I guess, in November.

Conferences: What a waste of time

I know. Teachers shouldn't say things like that. But the truth of the matter is that conferences at the high school level are a complete waste of my time. For the last two nights I've been sitting either at a table in the gym or in my classroom waiting for parents to show up. I saw a grand total of three in the combined six hours. I don't know about other teachers, but I have a lot of contact with the parents of my students. In some cases more than either the parent or student wish. And I don't care if I am getting comped the day before Thanksgiving for the time wasted during the last two evenings, I had many other things I could've been doing.

Guilty Pleasure

Okay, I admit it. I enjoy reading other people's blogs. My friend Lisa did an entry one time linked Matt's blog (Lisa & I went to high school with him), and from his blog I've jumped to his wife's where I found this this quiz (thanks Jessica!). I guess I belong in London.

You Belong in London

A little old fashioned, and a little modern. A little traditional, and a little bit punk rock. A unique soul like you needs a city that offers everything. No wonder you and London will get along so well.

What City Do You Belong In?

To take the quiz yourself, click here

Stretched Too Thin

I don't know why I feel I have to do it all. I promised myself, after over committing in high school and burning out, to never do this to myself again. In college I did practically nothing beyond classes, homework and hanging out with friends. It was a wonderful time. You'd think I would've learned from that experience.

My typical week right now consists of working all day. I'm usually at my desk by 7:30 and try to leave by 4:00. Then comes the meetings:

• Evaluation Committee: meets every other Monday
• Executive Board for the Union: at least two, usually three meetings a month on Thursdays.
• Staff : meets every Wednesday afternoon with entire high school; my building every Tuesday morning.
• Book Club: every Monday, but I miss it on the days I have Evaluation meetings.

Throw in yoga two nights each week, and any parent/IEP/etc type event and I rarely get home by 7:30. Now if only I could figure out why I seem to be incapable of saying "NO."

The Birthdays

I really hate making quick trips to far away places, but sometimes you just need to. Committements are really important in my family, and this last weekend our family had two birthdays: My mother turned....well, "you're only as old as you feel" (or so she's always saying) and my Great Aunt Bess celebrated her 95th. Happy Birthday ladies!



My cousins threw a little party for my aunt with several dozen close friends and family. It was really great to catch up since we're scattered geographically and have very busy lives. It's sad that it takes a special occasion or a tragedy to bring all of us together. The last time most of us were together was for Melissa & Brett's wedding in 2003.



After the party, our immediately family had birthday dinner for Mom. We ended up at Old Chicago in Portland. She's more low key, and not really a fan of the big do. Of course, there may come a day when all bets are off. After all, there is a big wedding anniversary coming up in a couple years. She'd kill us if we actually did it. But...

Gripes: NCLB and Testing

Today the entire district was subjected to a training seminar for the state tests we administer every year. The fact that we have to the tests isn't work griping about. Until the federal government pulls its head out and realizes that standardized tests are not the way to increase achievement we are stuck with them. My gripe is with Department of Education's unending, contradictory rules for those tests. Some examples:

• Tests of special education students who have modifications in IEP's must be modified, but will not count toward the school and district participation percentages.
• Students taking the mathematics test can use a calculator, manipulatives (rulers, protractors, counting sticks, etc.), a multiplication table and the provided formulas. At the same time, teachers must remove bulletin board strips that read "1+2=3, 5+6=11"
• Teachers who are working one-on-one with students providing modifications on the math test may only read the words in story problems, not the numbers or signs (ie: Jack has ____ apples. If he adds ____ more, how many will he have?)
• My personal favorite, while monitoring testing teachers are not allowed to make supportive comments such as "Keep up the good work" and "You're doing a great job." Teachers doing one-on-ones must read in monotone and not use non-verbal gestures of any kind.

My Opinion: Planned Parenthood

When I opened my email today I had a message from Planned Parenthood. It seems there's an 40 day protest of Planned Parenthood clinics going on by the Pro-life movement. And PP has set up a blog to share the experiences of staff and patients. It's very interesting reading. You can see for yourself at http://www.iamemilyx.blogspot.com

I've never used Planned Parenthood's servies, but I know how important those health care services are for millions of women and their families. I can only appreciate the courage of the associates and patients who have to run the gauntlet of protesters, tuning out the hateful comments and signs passing judgement on their lives and choices.

Scrappin'

Last night I returned to one of my favorite activities: Scrapbooking! The local scrapbook and stamp store holds crop nights twice a month. I try to go as often as I can for a couple different reasons. First, I really enjoy the company of the women who come. Second, it provides the opportunity to be inspired by the creativity of the other scrappers.

Last night was really successful for me. I packed up my scrapping materials last May, and they didn't come out of the box until yesterday. I felt like I was burned out; sucked dry of all creative juices. Of course that didn't stop me from buying new supplies this summer. I'm wasn't that tapped out. But I wasn't producing any new pages. So, last night I finished my Virginia trip from 2006. Next crop.... summer 2007!

Time Flys

Suddenly (or so it seems) it's the middle of October. I feel like just yesterday I was lamenting the end of summer and now Halloween is in sight. (BTY: Halloween is a fabulous holiday! I never get trick-or-treaters, so all the candy is for me!)

Anyway, back to time flying by. My sister called last night and it made me realized that we hadn't spoken all week! That's very unusual for us. I talk to my parents and/or sister everyday, usually. But this month illustrates so well how busy we all are. Between meetings, trips, kids, family time, work....is it any wonder our communication sometimes slips? The important thing for me to remember that I can't take those relationships for granted.

A Funny Thing

Today district staff had to do required meetings for bloodborne pathogens and couple other things. The video for bloodborne was really aimed at an elementary school audience, so we adults had a few moments of hilarity. For instance, "Remember, never touch something that comes out of someone else's body, and never touch something that comes from someone else's body." That's an actual line from the video.

Tire Trouble

So, I made a trip to Portland this weekend. And it's not like that's the short jaunt it used to be. Now, I spend hours in the car to get there. But I went, because the OEA (Oregon Education Association) trainings are usually pretty good. And I feel much more confident in reading a school district budget now.

The tire trouble reared it's ugly head this morning. I was up early ready to get to work with lots of things on my "to do" list. Something didn't feel right as I backed out of the driveway. Lo and behold, I had a flat tire. No big deal, right? I've changed tires before, and I'm more than capable of doing so again. I jacked up the car, removed the the flat; no problems. Then I discovered that the jack, at it's maximum height wouldn't give me enough clearance to mount the spare. One call to Les Schwab and an hour and a half later, I was finally on my way. Thankfully Suzanne was willing to cover for me at school. I don't know what I would've done without her today.

The end of the story was expensive. Somewhere, on the road between Corvallis and here I picked up a piece of metal in the tire. The tire couldn't be saved and I had to shell out more money than the budget allowed to get rolling again.

First Day of Yoga Class

For those of you who know me, you know that I'm a big fan of lifelong learning. I used to take classes at the local community college before I moved here: Spanish, Flyfishing, Aerobics...whatever caught my fancy. The offerings at the community college where I live now are not so diverse, so I've limited myself to scrapbooking with a wonderful group at the local stamp and scrapbook store. But a few weeks ago I decided to plunge back into the community college circuit. My choice for this term: Yoga.

Those of you who know me also realize that I'm not a huge fan of exercise for the sake of exercise. Playing at the lake, or taking a hike with friends is different. But I also realized I needed to get off my duff and do something. That trip to Kentucky this summer sort of sabotaged my good eating habits. What can i say, I love fried food!

So yoga. It's something I'd never done, but was curious about. So I registered, paid my fee and tonight, I went to my first yoga class. Wow! I thought I was pretty flexible, but that was quickly proven to be a fallacy. I stretched muscles I'd forgotten I had. So for the next 10 weeks I will stretch, balance and use those long forgotten muscles twice a week for class. Let's just hope I can get out of bed tomorrow.

Paper Packrat

That's me. I have this horrible habit of keeping paper. Small scraps with scribbles of names and reminders, magazine articles I found significant, old class rosters from years and jobs past, and the list goes on. Today I decided to tackle the spare bedroom and the burgeoning piles that erupt from every available flat surface. I found some interesting things.

• An email from my college friend Jen dated December 2005.
• A list of books I wanted to read...from 2006!
• Scraps with random email addresses and websites.
• A copy of a world history test I gave last year.
• My 10th grade class roster from 2004.
• Various recipes I've clipped with the plans to cook, but I haven't.
• Several articles on how to save money. It's become an obsession of mine.
• Boarding passes for a trip I took a year ago.
• A warranty form I didn't send in.
• And lots more......

The result of this little foray? I filled a paper bag of stuff to recycle and filled another to shred (of course my shredder's dead) :( And a long email to Jen apologizing for my poor correspondence skills. I'm pretty sure I responded in January 2006, but I'm not positive. Here's hoping she forgives me.

Weekend Company & Death of Jelly Fish

My parents and aunt came to visit for the weekend. It's always an experience to have company. Since I live so far away, nobody comes just for dinner. I give up my bed for Mom & Dad. It's the least I can do, and I really don't mind sleeping on the sofa. I have a really great Dagwood sofa. My aunt had the airbed. Unfortunately, it didn't cooperate. She woke up on Saturday rolled up like a hotdog in a bun. Mission for the day: Find a new airbed.

The weather really cooperated for their visit. The coast is not really a fun place when it's stormy. Saturday we visited the Farmer's Market, looked at RV's (the parents just can't resist), and ate clam chowder. We also took a long walk on the beach and saw a really nice sunset.



Sunday was similar, but instead of eating out we had Thanksgiving style turkey dinner. I'll be eating turkey for several more days. That evening we walked on a different beach and encountered several dozen dead and dying jelly fish. I don't know what caused them to wash ashore, but I've never quite seen anything like it.

Beach Glass and Starfish

Today was beautiful, so I decided to take a long walk on my favorite beach. There's just something about the solitude (even when surrounded by people), and the sound of the waves. And this time of year, it's all about going barefooted!



I have a couple of goals when I'm walking on the beach. I'm on the look out for beach glass. There's just something I find so interesting about the shapes and finishes once sand and the waves have done their thing. Today was a good day. I found a few pieces.



Another thing I really like playing with my camera. I've had this digital camera for almost a year now, and (as my last set of vactation photos show, I'm not the greatest photographer. With digital, I get to practice and nobody can see the dozens of shots I delete because they're awful. The beach has lots of good subjects. Today it was starfish at low tide.

First Week of School

I've survived the first week of school. It's been completely chaotic. Schedules weren't done for the kids until the last week. This week has been all about changing schedules, and I'm flying by the seat of my pants, as usual.

On the up side, I think this year will be positive. Most of my students are not spending all day in Alt. Ed. That's good. Personally, I believe they should have some time with their peers and be subjected to the regular high school stuff. At the same time, the kids disagree and are making their displeasure well known. Luckily, my boss and I agree, and since she's in charge of their schedules, they're stuck with our decisions. This should help to save my own sanity as well. Don't get me wrong. I enjoy what I do, and I really can't imagine doing a boring old 9 to 5 job. But I know my limitations, and that sometimes teenagers don't always know what's best.

Last Summer Weekend

I spent Saturday in Medford doing some shopping. It was nice to bask in the sun since home was cold and foggy. Harry & David was having a big tasting so I tried some good wine and yummy nibbles. I ended up buying way more stuff than was on my list. Saturday was spent hanging out with my friend Lin. We took a long walk on the beach and topped it off with a beer and dinner. I'll miss not working with her this year. She used to make my job easier since she's so good at paperwork and I generally hate it. Today is Monday. The last official day of my summer vacation. I tried to catch up with some other friends up river, but that didn't work out. Probably a good thing. I still need to get my head together for tomorrow: THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

Good News...there's never enough!

Sometimes I feel that society focuses on the negatives. Turn on the news and it's mostly bad: The latest casualties in Iraq or Afghanistan, drug abuse, domestic violence, and the list goes on. Many days I just don't have the energy for it, and refuse to watch, listen or read about it.

Today there was good news. It may not be earth shaking on the level of Peace in the Middle East (personally, I don't believe that will ever happen), but for a family whose greatest wish was granted, it's the best possible. My friends Lisa and Taylor have been trying to evolve from coupledom to familydom for four years. Today, they brought David home, and those of us who love them are so happy. May God keep smiling on Lisa, Taylor, David, and the birthparents who chose a wonderful family for him.





To read Lisa's thoughts see her blog on my list of Family & Friends.

Days of Inservice

The last couple days have been long and, somewhat, tedious. It's the usual back to school stuff. Tuesday's boring part started off with the district staff listening to a rather patronizing speech by a school board member. It's really annoying when someone makes a point of telling a group "you're all very intelligent" but does it sarcastically. I was not impressed, which he probably thought we should be. Yesterday I sat in on a department meeting where the new director of said department started his presentation strongly (I had high hopes) only to negate that when we presented him with some real-life situations. I can't wait until he actually has to sit in on a meeting with one our more dogged parents. I think he'll be in for an eye-opener. Yesterday afternoon was spent in curriculum mapping training. I actually think it's a useful tool, just not very practical for my particular position. School starts Tuesday. I guess we'll see how things play out.

Plumbing Problems

Kit and I had a very uneventful drive home today. He was unusually quiet, and traffic was not an issue. I figured I'd get the car unpacked and make it to my hair appointment without any problem. Boy was I wrong!

I unlocked the door and was greeted by the smell of sewage. I started checking the possibilities and discovered the downstairs toilet was was plugged. I tried the plunger; didn't work. So I mopped up the water on the floor and started a load of wash for the wet, stinky towels. That was a mistake. When the washer drained, everything back flowed into the downstairs shower and toilet, and then cascaded all over the floor. Really gross. At this point I made a panicked phone call to the rental agency and waited for the Roto-Rooter guy. He ended up having to take the toilet out to snake the drain. He finished fairly quickly. My clean-up took a lot longer.

Cat with an Attitude

Kit & I have to go home tomorrow. He knows, and he's making a nuisance of himself. Right now, I have to push his tail out of the way to type. He's spent most of the day knocking things off tables, counters, the piano. He has so many bad habits. It's not like I'm in any hurry to get back, but I have to work next week. And I'm not leaving him hear for my parents to spoil more than they already have!

Ethics are so....

Hard to live with. It's not really a secret that I'd love to have a job closer to my friends and family. I hate having to drive 5 hours just to visit the people I love. Tonight a friend of Mom's called to tell me she's just posted an alt ed job at my old high school. And I had to thank her very much, and know that I had an opportunity I couldn't take because school starts in two weeks and I've given my word, via my signed contract, that I will be there. Sometimes I wish I didn't have such a sense of responsibility.

First Aid Class

I started out teaching First Aid and CPR classes for the American Red Cross for selfish reasons; I needed to keep my card current, and as a substitute teacher for many years I had to pay for the class. It was easier to volunteer, and it's been fun interacting with adults. They learn differently from kids. And face it, after a day with teenagers, I'm ready for some adult conversation. But I've really come to believe that everyone should have some working knowledge of what to do in an emergency. We don't live in a bubble, and bad things happen often.

For more information about services offered by the American Red Cross, check out their website. http://www.redcross.org

Is Silence Really Golden?

I usually think so. After a long day at work with kid noises I'm ready to go home, put my feet up and enjoy a few hours of silence. Of course my students don't understand that. Most of them can't comprehend they enjoyment of a place without a cacophony of auditory and visual stimulation. And I can't explain it to them.

Then, the other day it struck me why. I was in a room with other people who were not in the mood to communicate with each other. This silence was deafening and very uncomfortable. If I could've hid, I would've done it in an instant. I wonder how many of my students exist in places where the silence is so uncomfortable that they feel the need to fill it.

Goodbye Summer

Okay, so my summer isn't officially over until school starts again. But my traditional summer finale is usually a trip to Green Peter, and that is where I spent the weekend.

You could say I grew up on that lake. I don't think there has been a summer of my life when we haven't made at least a couple trips up for camping, boating, swimming, and just chillin' out. It's part of my personal culture. It holds a treasure trove of memories with family and friends. It's a place that always feels comfortable. And every year, my last trip I make it a point to say "Goodbye 'til next year."

This trip was very low-key. It was just the family. The parents, nephew and I drove up on Friday morning. We towed the kid around behind the boat on a tube for awhile. In fact, we did that regularly. Saturday morning we spent some time fishing (note I did not say catching). My sister and brother-in-law showed up late Saturday night. I didn't think they were going to come, but I was wrong.

Weekends at the lake are wonderful because they are so ordinary. We don't really do anything special. It's just a place to be. However, we do meet some interesting people. The first was the very nice Asian man whose family camped near us. He told Dad that this was his 7th trip to the lake, and that it "is better than Disneyland." Dad countered with the fact that he and Mom have been camping at the lake since 1969. The second interesting person we met was a man fishing down near the dam on Saturday. He reeled in a fish, unhooked it and tossed it back. Not a big deal, but his comment was "It's a damn trout. I don't know what he was doing at 50 feet!" I know that doesn't make much sense, but at the time it struck me as very funny. I guess he didn't want trout, just kokanee.

Summer Institute

Being a teacher means getting my head in gear for another school year. I still have a couple weeks, but I've just spent three days in Portland at the Summer Institute sponsored by the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), the Oregon Education Association (OEA), the Oregon School Board Association (OSBA) and the Confederation of Oregon School Administrators (COSA).

I'll be honest, when those four groups get together, most people would wonder what the agenda was. All are political, all have issues the others, and it just seems odd to have them all partner together. Surprisingly, what I anticipated to be painfully and possibly boring turned into a pretty good conference. They did an excellent job of putting together a wide variety of topics for sessions and classes. But I think three days was a bit much. As the only teacher on our district's team, I'm still mentally on vacation. The administrators, school board member and superintendent all have been focusing on school stuff all summer. In fact, it was a bit strange to be the only teacher on the team. Why me? I still haven't adequately answered that question. Maybe I never will. But I did enjoy spending time with my colleagues without student issues to interfere.

Two New Firsts

So, it's been a weekend of firsts for me. Mom and I went to the county fair with a friend, and I had my first ever Deep-Fried Snickers Bar. I know, it's not a new thing, but it's new to me. I mean, I'd heard about them, but I'd never actually tasted one. On a scale of 1-10, I'd give it a 7. It's hard to ruin a Snickers bar, so that part gets plus points, but I wasn't too crazy about the batter they dipped the bar in.

The second first was today. It was a girls shopping trip (Mom, sister, aunt, niece and I) at the new Ikea store in Portland. I've never visited another Ikea, so I have no comparisons except to my own imagination. First of all, I really do like the array of things they sell. I think when it's time to buy some new furniture, that's the place to start. It's inexpensive and very well presented. After all, teachers don't make a mint. Second, I've heard really great things about their cafe, but the line was horrendously long, so that was nixed for another visit sometime in future. What I wasn't really fond of was the crowds. Way too many people, which could be a result of only being open for two weeks. But I don't really like being herded along like sheep, and that's the way I felt most of the time we were inside.

Kentucky & Indiana: Follow-up

I can finally say that my body and my brain are both back in the same time zone. And it's given me the opportunity to do a little more reflection on my trip.

Kentucky is really green, even though they're in the middle of a drought. It's also warm, and humid. For a girl from the west coast, humidity is not a completely pleasant thing. I saw more brick houses than I've ever seen in my life. They have a little problem with termites, and one of the few woods those pesky bugs don't like is yellow poplar. See, I learned lots of interesting things. For instance:

• It takes 30 seconds to shape a wooden bat at the Louisville Slugger fact0ry.
• Many of the old buildings in downtown Louisville are cast iron, not brick, wood or cement.
• Bourbo whiskey, to earn the bourbon label, must be aged at least 2 years in a virgin, charred, white oak barrel.
• Each barrel of bourbon will lose about 46% of it's volume in 7 years of aging.
• Only four distilleries in the United States stayed open during Prohibition. They produced medicinal alcohol. The maximum prescribed amount was 1 pint every 10 days.
• Two school teachers in Frankfort are credited with creating the first bourbon ball candy in 1919. The company, Rebecca-Ruth, still makes them, turning out 100,000 pounds of candy each year.
• Most people think about Thoroughbreds in Kentucky, but Shelby Co. produces a great number of Saddlebreds as well.
• Much of Kentucky draws it's water from a limestone aquifer, giving the water a higher percentage of calcium.
• The Ohio River has a cascades rapids, dropping the river level 26 feet over 2.5 miles. It proved to be a challenge to riverboat travel during the 19th century.

We didn't spend as much time in Indiana. It struck me as a more open landscape. The most interesting thing we learned there is that the land on which the the Lincoln Boyhood Home National Monument was once owned, in part, by one of my ancestors. That's pretty cool. :)

Kentucky & Indiana

A week ago my parents and headed to Louisville, Kentucky for a family reunion. This reunion is an annual event that moves around the country, and includes descendents from a common ancestor who lived during the Revolutionary War. It's a lot of fun, and I really enjoy the relatives. Now I just need to rest up from my vacation!

For anyone who hasn't been to Kentuckiana (yes, they call it that down there), there's so much to do. A brief list of things we saw and experienced include: The Louisville Slugger Museum, the Frazier International History Museum, Bardstown, My Old Kentucky Home State Park, The Bourbon Heritage Center at Heaven Hill Distillery, Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby Museum, Locust Grove, Abraham Lincoln Birthplace, Abraham Lincoln Boyhood home, The Ohio River, Buffalo Trace Distilley, Bluegrass Country, Frankfort, Jim Beam Distillery, and a few other things. It feels like I haven't stopped moving in the last week. And all of this was in addition to the time spent with our cousins who came from ten other states for this reunion. It really was remarkable.

Harry Potter Mania: A Night at the Bookstore

I will admit that I really like the Harry Potter books. I reserved my copy of book 7 as soon as the release date was announced. I don't, however, consider myself to be a fanatic about the whole thing. Last night, I met fanatics. True, costumed, trivia spouting fanatics who know way more about the books than I will ever remember.


Most people would imagine that children, the intended audience, would get the greatest satisfaction from the stories. Last night, the adults outnumbered the kids, with teens coming in a close second. The local bookstore labeled the even a "ball" so out came the prom dresses, and other strange fashions.

I imagine that many of those present last evening went straight home and started reading. I decided sleep was more important. Plus, I like to savor my reading. I think that's something that I've learned as I've matured. I've got about 300 pages left to go. I'll finish tomorrow.

Granny's House

Yesterday I took a trip down memory lane. I was invited by the current owners to see my great-grandmother's house. It had been twenty-eight years since my grandparents sold it, following Granny's death, but stepping back into it brought back memories.

I had forgotten about the little built in bookshelf in the front room. This was where Granny's chair sat, and she spent hours doing needlework. I wonder how many pairs of slippers she crocheted over the years. The walls are a white now. Then, Granny preferred green. I remembered the fireplace, the curve out counter in the kitchen, the little step up into the bedroom closet that leads to the attic, The pink bathtub and sink with the little metal towel bar, and that under the stairs in the garage was where she stored the food she canned every summer. But there were many things I'd forgotten. Things like, the built in closets in the bedrooms, the front portch color that shows through the chips in the current paint color, and the stairs to the garage. These are that were the same as my grandmother's house (Granny's daughter), which makes perfect sense since both houses were built by the same carpenters during the same time period.

The current owners rent out the house to young couples, and sometimes families. It's a good place to start a life. I think Granny would be pleased.

Extreme Makeover:Home Edition

It's been a very hectic week. I spent my days helping with the facilitation and coordination of volunteers in this area for "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" (yes, I mean the tv show). We had so many people who wanted to help and a limited number of positions. People can get very cranky when they don't get what they want. It's exhausting, and it pushes my buttons because this entire project was NOT ABOUT THE VOLUNTEERS! It's about a family whose home adversely impacted the health of their children. Sorry. Had to state that.

I finally got out the site on Friday evening. The old house was demoed on Monday, and by the time I got there the completed house had already been turned over to the production company for decor and furniture. Let me tell you it's beautiful. And since boxes needed to be moved in, I got to go inside. Otherwise I hauled ice, restocked coolers, and generally did what needed doing. I'm glad I did it.

The Beginning of the Blog

So, I've spent the last hour browsing through Lisa's blog, and those of her sisters Meta, Anna, Sara & Becca. Thanks for the inspiration ladies! I'm not sure quite what to do with this; I'm guessing it will evolve as I continue to do so. And since the title of this venture is "Trips and Ramblings". I guess I should talk about a trip.

I spent the weekend in Bend with my natural and honorific family. We celebrated the wedding of Doug & Heather. It was a really beautiful day, both in sentiment and atmospheric quality. We ate, and drank and were merry --including the bride and groom, who married-- sorry, couldn't resist the play on words. Anyway, the auspicious date was 7-7-07, and as a friend of the bride stated so eloquently, "They've hit the jackpot!"

The day after the wedding I spent a little time at Lava Lands. For those not in the know, it's a monument south of Bend on Hwy 97 that is dedicated to the volcanic experience of Central Oregon. It's oddly beautiful, and still very strange. Lava has so many types depending on cooling conditions (weather, speed, climate), making it very individualistic. Some time I'll have to go down in the Lava Cave, but I wasn't dressed for 42 degrees F.