Archive for September, 2007
September 29th, 2007 -- Posted in Ramblings |
To get out of the house and re-explore the area I took the girls to TVA property and found the perfect place to hike and bike. The trails are not too long, or dangerous, for me and the girls to hike, but it isn’t so easy that they will not feel like they’ve been on a hike. We weren’t dressed for it today, but we do plan to go back over the next few weekends to explore the area section by section. They were fascinated by the small waterfall and enjoyed the cool water on their feet.
Walking into the woods they were a little concerned that the tracks were still in use. No worries, perfectly safe. We saw several birds and butterflies on our short afternoon adventure. However, if you have ever attempted to experience nature with a 10 and 7 yr old you know that there is no such thing as a quiet hike. Chatty-chatty. They’ll learn.
And in further news…the ultimate in time wasting activities:
The sorting hat says that I belong in Gryffindor!
|
Said Gryffindor, "We’ll teach all those with brave deeds to their name."
Students of Gryffindor are typically brave, daring, and chivalrous.
Famous members include Harry, Ron, Hermione, Albus Dumbledore (head of Hogwarts), and Minerva McGonagall (head of Gryffindor). |
Take the most scientific Harry Potter
Quiz ever created.
Get Sorted Now!
I was one point from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, and Slytherin was trailing by a good 10+. My 10yo will get a kick out of this survey.
September 28th, 2007 -- Posted in Ramblings |
Zip was tagged for a 10 random things meme and politely asked if I would complete it- time allowing. Spare time…LOL isn’t he a funny one. I thought I would take a moment to oblige and share ten random things.
1. I’m procrastinating typing a quiz for my college kids. Feeling like all I’m doing lately is working, researching, or preparing to work motivation is an issue.
2. In the process I looked for random ideas on the net and found a quiz…so here are 45 things:
| 45 of the most random things you probably never needed to know about someone |
| whats your name spelt backwards?: |
natnok |
| What did you do last night?: |
lesson plans |
| The last thing you downloaded onto your computer?: |
iTunes update |
| Have you ever licked a 9 volt battery?: |
Yes. My paternal genetic donor thought it was hilarious to have me check the battery as a small child. git. |
| Last time you swam in a pool?: |
Saturday of last week |
| What are you wearing?: |
Long sleeve Auburn shirt and Addidas shorts |
| How many cars have you owned?: |
Owned? 1. Shared with the bank 3. |
| Type of music you dislike most?: |
Bluegrass. Seriously, who really LIKES out of tune instruments? |
| Are you registered to vote?: |
yes |
| Do you have cable?: |
Digi and HD…it’s a must for Djembe’s big screen projection TV |
| What kind of computer do you use?: |
My notebook, a Dell Inspiron 1520…mostly |
| Ever made a prank phone call?: |
I was a teenager once. |
| You like anyone right now?: |
LOL. It’s been a rough week at school, but in the spirit of the question I adore Jem. |
| Would you go bungee jumping or sky diving?: |
H3!! no. Sky diving b4 bungee jumping. I do not want to put my life in the hands of some guy working part time as a carny or summer job…I’ll take my chances with the chute |
| Furthest place you ever traveled?: |
Hmmm…I think Los Angeles is further than Haiti. |
| What’s your favorite comic strip?: |
Peanuts |
| Do u know all the words to the national anthem?: |
No, I only know the first verse that you hear often. The other versus are great, but not in my memory |
| Shower, morning or night?: |
Yes. Showers and baths are relaxing |
| Best movie you’ve seen in the past month?: |
Watched Robin Hood with Jem the other night. Love the score and movie |
| Favorite pizza toppings?: |
Works or nothing but cheese…Not much of a fan these days |
| Chips or popcorn?: |
I have to choose? Popcorn, it’s a vegetable you know. |
| What cell phone provider do you have?: |
ATT |
| Have you ever smoked peanut shells?: |
You can do that? |
| Have you ever been in a beauty pageant?: |
So not a frilly frufru drama queen. Nope. |
| Orange Juice or apple?: |
Apple. |
| Who were the last people you sat at lunch with?: |
What is this sit and eat you speak of? |
| favorite chocolate bar?: |
ew. When in the mood- twix |
| Who is your longest friend and how long?: |
Amy, 18 years |
| Last time you ate a homegrown tomato?: |
too long to remember |
| Have you ever won a trophy?: |
Yes, I was a serious band competitor |
| Favorite arcade game?: |
PacMan |
| Ever ordered from an infomercial?: |
nope, not into TV |
| Sprite or 7-UP?: |
Sun-drop or Sierra Mist. |
| Have you ever had to wear a uniform to school/work?: |
Yes. I worked a theater just after high school. |
| Last thing you bought at Walgreens?: |
Some type of meds |
| Ever thrown up in public?: |
Well, I threw up on a boyfriend once. He thought it was gross too. |
| Would you prefer being a millionaire or finding true love?: |
Since I already have the love I’ll go for the money. |
| Do you believe in love at first sight?: |
Absolutely. |
| SPONGEBOB OR JIMMY NEUTRON?: |
Fork in the eye. Whiny cartoon twits. |
| Did you have long hair as a young kid?: |
Sometimes. |
| What message is on your voicemail machine?: |
Something where we say our name and it says leave message |
| Where would you like to go right now?: |
Greece/Rome see Pompeii…There’s an op this summer…maybe I will |
| Whats the name of your pet?: |
Tiki, Blackie, Tchaik, Alli |
| What kind of back pack do you have, and what’s in it?: |
I have a rolling travel case for my notebook and school papers. Papers in it. |
| What do you think about most?: |
Rest. Work. |
Take this survey | Find more surveys
Bzoink - The Original Survey Site |
September 27th, 2007 -- Posted in Education, Ramblings |
Walking through the halls after the last bell I noticed a sign on a teacher’s door that said, “Ask yourself, what have you learned today?” Good question.
I have learned to never underestimate students. You may have one that grates on your last nerve and seems to do so deliberately, but he/she may be capable of being a class stand out…in a positive way. I have several students that are high maintenance, but with their insight they surprise me on a regular basis. Just when you think no one gets it, what is wrong with these people they step up and express their understanding in such a way that makes the light come on for everyone else.
I have learned (relearned) that despite how frustrated I am or the problems I may have there is someone going through a more difficult time. It’s all about perspective. Our problems are big to us, but if you hear those of others yours can seem smaller.
I have learned that the past is the past, but the future can hold so much more than you ever dreamed of.
I have learned that sometimes it is best to keep your thoughts to yourself. In a society burdened by the perception of greatness and political correctness it is many times best to simply smile and nod.
Not bad for a day that I woke up hoping it was Friday. Just think how our outlooks would change if we awoke questioning what will we learn that day instead of questioning if we will make it to the end of the day with our sanity. BTW, if you are teacher reading this I regret to inform you that you lost your sanity a long time ago, stop looking for it and just enjoy what mental health you have left. This probably applies to several out there- teachers and non.
September 26th, 2007 -- Posted in Ramblings, Tech stuff |
Wasting time on Searching the WWW I found a WordPress theme generator that I can not wait to play with. I want to have the option of a cute cheap and I didn’t have to pay for it theme, but without tiny text boxes for the body. I don’t know if anyone has noticed, but unless you are willing to pay for the design, or take the time yourself, the themes for WordPress are not that exciting. Don’t get me wrong. I love my three column Journalized by Mike Little, and my current tiger/turtle/sea theme. I just want to have something that I had a hand in creating. Now all I have to do is make the time to play. Maybe if I would procrastinate less the time would make itself…
September 25th, 2007 -- Posted in Education |
It’s about time to head to class. I am very thankful that they have an exam tonight. I just don’t think I would have had it in me to lecture for 2.5 hours. Planning for that length of time has been tough! Hmmmm…I don’t want them to do poorly, but wouldn’t it be awesome if they all finished before hour two? Maybe they all just studied that much!
September 20th, 2007 -- Posted in Education |
Their lives are falling apart and it feels like the world is on their shoulders, but we expect them to complete vocabulary for chapter 6 and study for a science test. No, they must forget the fact that someone close to them died last week. They are expected to stay focused when their best friend is being mistreated at home and they don’t know what to do to help. They are expected to complete their homework and study for the tests even though their parents were fighting all night. They are expected to come to class with their homework and be prepared for the test today even though two people jumped them in front of their house and left them bruised, battered, and humiliated the night before. These are just a few of the situations students deal with on a daily basis. It isn’t even the worst of the worst. So what do we do? They have to be accountable for their schoolwork. They have to pass if they hope for a better life. Can we really expect them to just suck it up and move on? In their shoes, could we? We can’t just say put your head down and you are excused from work until it is all better. Many will not face a better life unless they claw their way out of their current tragedy of life. Somehow we have to teach them that life sucks sometimes, but you still have to keep pushing forward. It doesn’t mean we don’t care. It doesn’t mean we let them wallow in their tragedy. It means that we face each day with the understanding that life is not perfect for the students. It means that we have to know when to push, when to pull, and when to carry the student to the next level. It may be as simple as walking the student down the hall to the counselor. However, this is education…is anything really simple?
September 16th, 2007 -- Posted in Ramblings |
Usually when I go on a rant or deal with something that is personal, but I don’t mind regulars reading, I will mark it as private post and be done with it. As I check my statcounter I feel compelled to add another category to private. My reviews and evaluations will now require passwords as well. I do not want to contribute to the plagiarism that runs rampant on campuses these days and as research paper season gets started I am getting more and more hits for various topics/books that I have researched. It won’t eliminate the ripping that takes place, but it will at least add a stumbling block. Remember people, plagiarism can get you zero credit, disciplinary action, and even kicked out of college. It isn’t worth it and you get nothing positive out of it. Yes, your professors check.
September 15th, 2007 -- Posted in Uncategorized |
Years ago I read an eye opening work by Dave Burchett, When Bad Christians Happen to Good People. It seems like I reviewed it, but I can’t seem to find that review anywhere. For reference you can find reviews here and here.
Bad Christians discusses the impact of Christian individuals on each other. This includes judging one another, condemning one another, and using the litmus test of Christianity to determine one’s worthiness for the Church. The sinner scale is also a factor…you know, the one where his sin is considerably worse than your own and YOU would NEVER do THAT. Yeah, so anyway…Burchett addresses these issues with thought provoking wit and a candor that keeps you reading. The inclusion of scripture and personal encounters bring home the point that we are all fallibly human and in no place to ruin the spiritual life of another simply because we are operating on the sin scale of better than/worse than. Remember my last post? You have the power to make or destroy another’s day. The same can be said for their church relationship. There are few hurts worse than those caused by one’s church. To feel neglected, or shunned, by the church cuts deeply into the spiritual and emotional core of an individual. Some run from the hurt and never return.
To those, and the rest of us who have the power to reach out, Dave Burchett writes Bring ‘Em Back Alive. Here’s what one review posted at Christianbook.com:
In a clear style, sprinkled with humor, each chapter in Burchett’s book includes questions for reflection and discussion for use in committees, support groups, or one-on-one discipleship. Dave Burchett’s first book, When Bad Christians Happen to Good People, had a dramatic effect on churches across America and is the foundation for his new book. The first book exposed the reader’s priorities, preferences, methods, and attitudes, leaving in it’s wake two simple, foundational questions: Who is Jesus Christ, and what should your life look like as a result of that relationship? Bring ‘Em Back Alive is the answer.
Those of us who have been hurt by the church will either turn against it, or struggle back to it. It is a lengthy struggle that requires time, patience, and prayer. Burchett reminds the reader that it requires forgiveness, and forgiveness is not optional. Any emotional healing process requires forgiveness and it is one of the most trying hurdles of life. We associate forgiveness with reconciliation, and/or acceptance of the wrong that needs forgiving. NO! Just because you forgive someone you are not saying it is OK or the wrong was not wrong! Call a spade a spade but open your heart to forgiveness if you hope to move forward for yourself. You don’t have to forgive so the one who wronged you feels better, you have to forgive so YOU can heal. If you hold on to the wrong then you will only have bitterness.
Burchett divides Bring ‘Em Back Alive into three parts. The first, “The Heartbreak of a Scattered Flock,” addresses those who have been wounded or abandoned and those of us who have allowed it. There will be “bad Christians” happening to good people, but there are “good Christians” who do not stand up to the defense of others. If not stand for their defense then stand in prayer with them so they are not alone. Burchett also addresses the “Lethargic Lamb” saying churches need to step out of the holy huddle and join the game of life. He talks about burn out by new Christians as well as pollution within the church (gossip and corruption). Many Biblical references are made to shephards and how they tend their flock, relating to church leaders and their congregations.
Part II is a plan for healing and restoration. Included in part two is a section on hope through Christ, letting go of victimhood, and the choices one must make. It is so easy to remain the victim and seek the sympathy or validation that brings. When we are wronged we want everyone to know it. We want validation that we were wronged. We seek that attention. Burchett points out the positives of letting it go and moving forward. Key to that is forgiveness, which is the focus of the last section of part II and all of part III. Part III also addresses rights versus responsibilities. Burchett states, “One of the biggest obstacles keeping American Christians from taking responsibility for their actions is this sacred American ideal that we all have rights.” He explains that Christians confuse their rights as citizens with Christian responsibilities. Being a Christian does not give one a right to anything, but there are responsibilities attached. Love others, demonstrate humility, and seek unity within the Church are just a few that Burchett talks about.
Overall, I prefer his first book to the second. When Bad Christians Happens to Good People is a work that gives validation to those who feel wronged by individuals or the church. (See, there’s the validation factor again.) It is a work that recognizes it happens, but it is so much more. It offers a plan to heal and overthrow the shadow of victimhood. Bring ‘Em Back Alive is a great eye opener for personal evaluation, and a tool for how to help those who we know have been wronged- not just help them heal, but help them return to “the flock.” Both are good reads for anyone who feels wronged, or even for those who feel everything is perfect in their Christian bubble. It’s time to pop the bubble and realize that some are falling through the pews.
For more check out Dave Burchett “Confessions of a Bad Christian” at daveburchett.com
September 7th, 2007 -- Posted in Education |
As an educator you have to power to make or destroy someone’s day. I’m not talking about handing out grades. The power an educator has is much bigger than assessment. Everything in the world can be going wrong for that person but your compliment can ease their stress. Everything in the world could be perfect at that moment, but your accusation or criticism can ruin their day. (Really, this can be applied to all people, not just educators.) I’m also not simply referring to teachers addressing students. It includes teachers addressing students, teachers addressing other teachers, secretaries, administrators. Even administrators addressing faculty or students. Support personnel should not be left out. PEOPLE IN GENERAL!
Some will want to be strong and claim that another does not have that power over them. I disagree. Yes, we can choose our attitude and response. We can choose to work through a negative situation. However, we’re human and sometimes things just hurt. Before you speak, make sure you have all the information. Address the truth, not your version of it. Perception is not reality.
September 5th, 2007 -- Posted in Education, Private, Ramblings |
I would love to post more but lately it just isn’t happening. Here’s what I’m up to…
Health kick…I’m tired of feeling yuck so I’m going to do something about it. [Please login or register to view private content.]
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