Tenerife Sea :: Ed Sheeran
Rainy Zurich :: The Fray
Wherever You Will Go :: Charlene Soraia
Skinny Love :: Bon Iver
Warning Sign :: Coldplay
Foreigner's God :: Hozier
Syndicate :: The Fray
(Overture :: Sleeping at Last)
Paradise :: Coldplay
This is the playlist that my favorite Pandora station played for me today after school. I had about three leftover tests to grade, and test-grading is the only time I really listen to music during my work day, so I turned it on "just for a minute."
.....
And then, NINE SONGS LATER, I finally walked out of my classroom and went home. Every time one song was close to ending, I'd start to pack up my things, ready to go home. But then the next song would start, and I'd think, "Oh! I love this song!" And I'd stall a little longer. I was trapped! Held against my will!
And this happened for nine songs, or about 30 minutes. Thirty minutes of wandering my classroom and tidying random corners and Googling random questions and writing random sticky note reminders and planning random bits of random upcoming lessons. All of this was stuff that didn't need doing today. Or maybe even tomorrow. Or maybe ever?
If you're wondering, the song that finally broke the chain was a Meghan Trainor single. I have no clue how she landed on this particular station, but I walked right out on her (sorry Meghan).
Tomorrow I have a first period prep period, and considering how very little I left myself to do after this afternoon finally ended, I think I might just take an hour long nap under my desk. That's a good use of paid work time, right?
And since I loved this playlist like crazy, I made an on-demand version via YouTube. I added a few other songs that I've fallen in love with because of this same Pandora station. You can listen to it here:
Ugh why do I just love all of the best music? We may never know, but now you can love it too. Enjoy!
11.18.2015
11.10.2015
A non-comprehensive list of things in which I believe
I believe in miracles.
I believe in comfortable clothes. Skirts, mostly.
I believe in names (but not for inanimate objects).
I believe in optimism.
I believe in a thing called love.
I believe that multitasking is a myth.
I believe in sunsets.
I believe in data.
And I believe in personal revelation.
(Really, I believe in listening.)
I believe in my students' ability to understand and to succeed.
I believe in learning from others.
I believe in infinity.
I believe in explaining why you've posted a video because unless it is under a minute, I probably won't watch it.
I believe in the plants-over-pets movement (it's possible that I'm the only person who believes in this).
I believe in good food.
I believe in luck.
I believe in moving your body, every day, in some [small] form of exercise.
I believe in the power of music.
I believe that we will win!
I believe in positive reinforcement.
I believe in frugality.
I believe in me.
I believe in God.
I believe in names (but not for inanimate objects).
I believe in optimism.
I believe in a thing called love.
I believe that multitasking is a myth.
I believe in sunsets.
I believe in data.
And I believe in personal revelation.
(Really, I believe in listening.)
I believe in my students' ability to understand and to succeed.
I believe in learning from others.
I believe in infinity.
I believe in explaining why you've posted a video because unless it is under a minute, I probably won't watch it.
I believe in the plants-over-pets movement (it's possible that I'm the only person who believes in this).
I believe in good food.
I believe in luck.
I believe in moving your body, every day, in some [small] form of exercise.
I believe in the power of music.
I believe that we will win!
I believe in positive reinforcement.
I believe in frugality.
I believe in me.
I believe in God.
11.09.2015
N.Y.C.
MATT: AS SOON AS I SAW HER I LIKED HER. I met her the first week of school, but we started dating in November. So it’s been going on six months. We’re very happy together.
EDEN: Our first date was the Empire State Building. He comes up with the best dates. On Easter, we went to Central Park and went row-boating.
MATT: We went ice-skating at Rockefeller Center. We’ve gone to Coney Island, in the pouring rain and freezing cold. I’m pretty good at trying to come up with really cool date ideas and then they fail. When we were new to New York I was like, let’s just get on the subway and get off at a random stop and explore an area. And so we just get off the subway, and we have no idea where we are — I still don’t know where it was.
EDEN: And we just got right back on the subway.
(Pics are mine. Story is from this article. Vacation was in May of this year.)
10.13.2015
Adopt-a-grandpa
Background information: I often go running and/or walking at the local cemetery. I often pass an old man who parks his car in the same place and visits a particular grave regularly. We have oft acknowledged each other with a small hello and brief conversation (how are you, fine thanks and you?, enjoy your run, thank you!).
Tonight I went for a run (with very little running since it's my first time out after two weeks of a nasty cold), and I could see this man parked in his usual spot, standing by his car, as I neared that section of the cemetery. I didn't feel particularly in the mood for the usual niceties and I was loving my podcast, so I determined I'd just shorten my run a bit and skip that part of the track. However, as I kept moving I felt myself turning in the direction of that old man anyway. I don't know why I turned, but I sure am glad I did.
As I neared, I paused my podcast and pulled out my headphones (I always do when I approach anyone because of what I feel are obvious reasons but mostly involve the beauty of humanity and the necessity of avoiding rape). I don't know who said hi first or who kept the conversation going beyond that point, but somehow I found myself slowing, stopping, and chatting. I stayed for probably 20 minutes, watching and enjoying the way the sunset made the mountains look pink and beautiful with this old man.
I learned that the graves he visits are those of his wife and his parents, which are both near his parking spot (sometimes he says hi to his uncle, but he's on the other side of the cemetery). I learned that he traveled the world working often under CIA direction as an army colonel. I learned that his name is Bill. I learned that his wife was brilliant, with a bachelor's degree in biology, a master's degree in entomology (insects), and a PhD in fossil archaeology (!!). I learned that she spent five whole years in the hospital before she passed away. I learned that his big old house with three whole bedrooms feels just too big for him. I learned that he's started to enjoy cooking, now that he does it for himself all the time.
Bill learned a bit about me, too. He learned that I'm married, that I had a load of laundry going as we spoke (he jokingly asked if I had any interest in a job as a housekeeper, since he hates doing it), and that I drive a car that barely runs. That's pretty much all I surrendered about my personal life, though.
As it began to get dark, he told me I should probably hurry on home. I thanked him for chatting with me, and he responded, "You are the best thing that has happened to me all day." I told him, "Right back atcha. Same time tomorrow?" and he laughed as I started walking away.
I'm sure I'll see him again, and I really hope we can become friends. I suffer pretty badly from stranger danger (even though I'm supposedly a grown-up), so I cautiously shared ridiculously little about my life. But I learned a valuable lesson from Bill today: we connect with people only when we can permit ourselves to be vulnerable. I might have guessed that he visits his wife, but I never would have known his real and deep love for her if he hadn't taken the time to feel those emotions and relay them to me. I might have someday known his name if we continued our casual hellos, but I never would have known his story. And today, I am a better, more compassionate person for having heard parts of Bill's story. Thank you, Bill! Can I keep you around? I need somebody that reminds me to share.
It turns out that sharing really is caring, especially when the things you share aren't actually things.
Tonight I went for a run (with very little running since it's my first time out after two weeks of a nasty cold), and I could see this man parked in his usual spot, standing by his car, as I neared that section of the cemetery. I didn't feel particularly in the mood for the usual niceties and I was loving my podcast, so I determined I'd just shorten my run a bit and skip that part of the track. However, as I kept moving I felt myself turning in the direction of that old man anyway. I don't know why I turned, but I sure am glad I did.
As I neared, I paused my podcast and pulled out my headphones (I always do when I approach anyone because of what I feel are obvious reasons but mostly involve the beauty of humanity and the necessity of avoiding rape). I don't know who said hi first or who kept the conversation going beyond that point, but somehow I found myself slowing, stopping, and chatting. I stayed for probably 20 minutes, watching and enjoying the way the sunset made the mountains look pink and beautiful with this old man.
I learned that the graves he visits are those of his wife and his parents, which are both near his parking spot (sometimes he says hi to his uncle, but he's on the other side of the cemetery). I learned that he traveled the world working often under CIA direction as an army colonel. I learned that his name is Bill. I learned that his wife was brilliant, with a bachelor's degree in biology, a master's degree in entomology (insects), and a PhD in fossil archaeology (!!). I learned that she spent five whole years in the hospital before she passed away. I learned that his big old house with three whole bedrooms feels just too big for him. I learned that he's started to enjoy cooking, now that he does it for himself all the time.
Bill learned a bit about me, too. He learned that I'm married, that I had a load of laundry going as we spoke (he jokingly asked if I had any interest in a job as a housekeeper, since he hates doing it), and that I drive a car that barely runs. That's pretty much all I surrendered about my personal life, though.
As it began to get dark, he told me I should probably hurry on home. I thanked him for chatting with me, and he responded, "You are the best thing that has happened to me all day." I told him, "Right back atcha. Same time tomorrow?" and he laughed as I started walking away.
I'm sure I'll see him again, and I really hope we can become friends. I suffer pretty badly from stranger danger (even though I'm supposedly a grown-up), so I cautiously shared ridiculously little about my life. But I learned a valuable lesson from Bill today: we connect with people only when we can permit ourselves to be vulnerable. I might have guessed that he visits his wife, but I never would have known his real and deep love for her if he hadn't taken the time to feel those emotions and relay them to me. I might have someday known his name if we continued our casual hellos, but I never would have known his story. And today, I am a better, more compassionate person for having heard parts of Bill's story. Thank you, Bill! Can I keep you around? I need somebody that reminds me to share.
It turns out that sharing really is caring, especially when the things you share aren't actually things.
10.08.2015
Quote for 8 October 2015
"Remember that everyone you meet is afraid of something, loves something, and has lost something."
- H. Jackson Brown Jr.
For me:
:: I'm afraid of misunderstanding. The older I get, the more I realize that I understand very little about life and people and the universe. I take a small comfort from knowing that everyone else in the world is in the same boat of misunderstanding with me, but I still want to know everything and understand everyone and do so without error.
:: I love learning. Do I even need to explain this concept in this particular bloggy forum anymore? No? Okay.
:: I have lost a bit of my drive. I spend all my days inside a high school lately, and it calls to mind my own high school days. I was busier in high school than I have ever been since. Why?? Because in high school, I had lofty college goals, but in college I never ended up setting lofty life goals. I think I need to set some, or I might live a very "vanilla" life (as Jenna would say) forevermore.
For my students:
I need to remember that this is not a true quote for adults only. I also need to remember that everything I assume might be true for my students (they fear bad grades! they love my class!) might be further from the truth than I could ever imagine. I need to allow my students to have and process their own fears, loves, and losses, whether or not I approve. For now, I need to be a safe outlet for these things.
8.06.2015
The mighty pangolin
I recently learned about the existence of an animal that I now adore. I invite you to journey with me through some images from a quick Google search to demonstrate why the pangolin should be more firmly cemented in our collective conscious.
First, here's your basic pangolin:
It kinda reminds me of an armadillo (by which I mean, this is basically what I picture when I hear "armadillo," even though armadillos are really different), but have you ever seen an armadillo use this defense mechanism?
I didn't think so! Pangolins are like armadillo + roly poly bug. They can also hang upside down, apparently.
So make that armadillo + roly poly bug + possum. But this next one is my favorite picture. See the baby pangolin? See how it's carried around? See its little fingers?? (Also, see that guy's knee in the background?)
Ah, so relaxed. He is livin' the life. Here are some other facts about pangolins:
This final pangolin is happy to remind you about World Pangolin Day 2014, but mostly he's here because of his cute face. If you want to celebrate the next Pangolin Day, you'll have to wait until the third Saturday in February of 2016.
Pangolins are pretty neat.
First, here's your basic pangolin:
7.29.2015
A lollipop moment
This is my kind of TED talk: quick, funny, thought-provoking. If you've got six minutes of nothing today (I see you scrolling through Facebook over there...), take a watch!
Watching this reminded of a "lollipop moment" involving my seventh grade choir teacher.
During one parent-teacher conference that school year, she told my mom (as I sat listening) that she could see leadership in me. I'm pretty sure I remember her saying directly, "Alyssa...well, she is a leader!"
And my seventh grade self thought, "What?? Nope. I am a solid follower, and I like it that way."
But the next day, my seventh grade self started thinking, "But what if I was a leader? Am a leader? What would that be like?" And I started trying it out.
As of now, I actually do consider myself quite a leader. I don't have plans to ever become a CEO, but I seek out leadership in my work, family, and church relationships. I actively try to discover and develop leadership qualities. When nobody particularly wants to make a decision, visit the food table first, or take on an extra project, I choose to step in. And I've had people tell me that they appreciate the ways that I lead, so then I continue. Over time, leadership has become one of my things-that-I-am, and all this because of a seventh grade choir teacher and a comment that she may or may not remember making.
You may not consider yourself to be a leader, but you can still provide "lollipop moments" for others around you, and you can thank those who have provided them for you. If any come to mind for you, I'd love to hear them! And in the meantime, let's both go watch this TED talk again, yes?
(Talk discovered on the TED Radio Hour podcast. This episode ("Disruptive Leadership") is one I've listened to multiple times! Highly recommend, 10/10, 5 stars, etc.)
Watching this reminded of a "lollipop moment" involving my seventh grade choir teacher.
During one parent-teacher conference that school year, she told my mom (as I sat listening) that she could see leadership in me. I'm pretty sure I remember her saying directly, "Alyssa...well, she is a leader!"
And my seventh grade self thought, "What?? Nope. I am a solid follower, and I like it that way."
But the next day, my seventh grade self started thinking, "But what if I was a leader? Am a leader? What would that be like?" And I started trying it out.
As of now, I actually do consider myself quite a leader. I don't have plans to ever become a CEO, but I seek out leadership in my work, family, and church relationships. I actively try to discover and develop leadership qualities. When nobody particularly wants to make a decision, visit the food table first, or take on an extra project, I choose to step in. And I've had people tell me that they appreciate the ways that I lead, so then I continue. Over time, leadership has become one of my things-that-I-am, and all this because of a seventh grade choir teacher and a comment that she may or may not remember making.
You may not consider yourself to be a leader, but you can still provide "lollipop moments" for others around you, and you can thank those who have provided them for you. If any come to mind for you, I'd love to hear them! And in the meantime, let's both go watch this TED talk again, yes?
(Talk discovered on the TED Radio Hour podcast. This episode ("Disruptive Leadership") is one I've listened to multiple times! Highly recommend, 10/10, 5 stars, etc.)
7.28.2015
Google does it again
I just learned about a cool thing!
Google will apparently back up your photos for free. In an unlimited way, apparently, if you let them downsize the quality a tad. Which apparently doesn't matter if you're not a real photog, like me, and just use your phone for everything all the time. (This is, at least, my limited understanding after about 5 minutes of research.)
So that's all nice and wonderful because I have been feeling a desperate need to back up my laptop files lately, and this is an imperfect but workable solution for about half of the valuable information stored on this old thing. That's a win.
But! It's a double win because then, when you upload your photos, the Google photo assistant will make animations and stylized photos for you, which I thought might could be a) stupid, and b) for purchase only, but they are neither! Check out these GIFs Google made for me based on photos I took in rapid succession while we tended my sister's kids on July 4th:
They're not perfect, but they're pretty wonderful. Especially since I literally had to do nothing. I'm obsessed with this new feature! I'm off now to discover more about it, but in the meantime you just go and have Google back up your photos, k folks?
#googledoesitagain
Google will apparently back up your photos for free. In an unlimited way, apparently, if you let them downsize the quality a tad. Which apparently doesn't matter if you're not a real photog, like me, and just use your phone for everything all the time. (This is, at least, my limited understanding after about 5 minutes of research.)
So that's all nice and wonderful because I have been feeling a desperate need to back up my laptop files lately, and this is an imperfect but workable solution for about half of the valuable information stored on this old thing. That's a win.
But! It's a double win because then, when you upload your photos, the Google photo assistant will make animations and stylized photos for you, which I thought might could be a) stupid, and b) for purchase only, but they are neither! Check out these GIFs Google made for me based on photos I took in rapid succession while we tended my sister's kids on July 4th:
They're not perfect, but they're pretty wonderful. Especially since I literally had to do nothing. I'm obsessed with this new feature! I'm off now to discover more about it, but in the meantime you just go and have Google back up your photos, k folks?
#googledoesitagain
7.22.2015
The Age of the Podcast
Check, check. Hello? Is this thing [still] on?
Oh okay, good. I thought maybe the power had gone out over here while I was gone.
I am now going to blog as if I haven't been gone for months on end.
Lately I have realized something about myself: I don't like watching stuff.
No wait, let me clarify. Because I do like watching people, and I do like watching nature, and I do like watching live performances and shows.
I just don't like watching TV and related media.
I've never liked watching TV, though. I thought I liked watching TV when I was younger, but sometimes it would give me a headache, and often I would get bored quickly. These things have amplified as I've grown up, and they've extended themselves to internet (lookin' at you, YouTube) and movies and such. It's a chore for me to watch a music video, and I literally can't imagine ever paying money for cable or Netflix.
But guys. GUYS. I've discovered the most wonderful replacement! It's called podcasts. And if you are in any way like me, you should check 'em out. It's all the fun of listening to something without any of the pain of stopping to watch it. They are the single best dishwashing motivator in the world, keep me company on my daily walk-runs, and play hands free in the car. I believe that is what we call "the best of all worlds."
Here are a few that I'm loving on lately:
:: Happier with Gretchen Rubin. Gretchen and her sister Elizabeth discuss small, actionable ways for you and me to be happier in everyday life. I love the fun sisterly dynamic between these two! That dynamic places it squarely in my favorite kind of podcast, which is where two people just have and record a conversation together and then post it.
:: Stuff You Should Know. Another highly conversational podcast with Josh and Chuck, who are on a mission to help you learn about every topic in the world. Just go look at the last 5 topics on their podcast page and I bet one will pique your interest. Bonus: I laugh out loud in every episode.
:: Mystery Show. I don't know why there haven't been any new episodes lately (Starlee? Are you listening??), but this podcast involves the detailing of a weekly mystery and its un-Google-able solution. The mysteries are often trivial, but that adds to the fun. And the host has a remarkable talent for getting random strangers to spill their most genuine hopes, dreams, and life secrets.
:: Marriage is Funny. Conversational! Jessie and Gerard are married and chatting about it. I love the openness and tenderness in their discussions. The topics involve modern marriage issues (e.g. cell phone use, career/family balance), and I sense no facade of perfection, which makes every episode very relate-able.
:: Lore. Aaron tells spooky stories from around the world, but not just in fictional form. By offering plenty of research, historical background, and witness accounts, he makes each story feel quite possibly real. But don't be scared! His main goal is to give you some real-life food for thought by the end, and he does a good job at that.
:: Note to Self. I'm new to this one, but I've liked every episode so far. Manoush Zomorodi investigates technology and its effects on everyday life, with a continued goal of helping listeners find balance between the digital and the real. More of a journalistic approach here, which is not conversational but is still enjoyable.
If you're new to podcasts, choose a couple of the above and check out a couple episodes. Let me know what you think! And if you are already a diehard fan, holler with recommendations. I'm starting to believe that one can never have too many podcasts...
2.25.2015
A creation story
This week, my school (the school I teach at, not the school I attend...I know, it can get confusing) held an assembly in honor of Black History Month. They had a bunch of rather neat performances ranging from 11-year-old soul singers to hip-hop dancing, but my favorite was a reading of "The Creation" by James Weldon Johnson.
I love hearing how differences in culture manifest themselves as variations in creation stories, especially because probably every culture has a story to explain the beginning of the world. It always feels like a beautiful and unique insight to the beliefs and values and language of a people.
Here's the text of the sermon/poem we listened to the other day:
I love hearing how differences in culture manifest themselves as variations in creation stories, especially because probably every culture has a story to explain the beginning of the world. It always feels like a beautiful and unique insight to the beliefs and values and language of a people.
Here's the text of the sermon/poem we listened to the other day:
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2.18.2015
Oranges and coconut cream (not at the same time)
My day today was totally made when I went grocery shopping and got a free orange. At the checkout, it rolled off to the side a little and wasn't scanned until I saw it as I walked away. And I asked the cashier, "Did you get this orange, too?" And he was like, "Ummmmm...." and then just stuck it in my bag. It wasn't on my receipt when I got home, but I didn't feel like I stole it because he totally gave it to me. Winnerwinnerchickendinner!
And we did have a chicken dinner tonight. My quest for the best orange chicken recipe (mentioned briefly here) has been in effect since I became a wife to the man who loves orange chicken more than almost anything, and tonight I found a prettttty good one. Here's the thing I'm really looking for: Panda Express orange chicken that I can make at home with real ingredients and not a ton of fat. So if anyone else is looking for the same, this is the closest I've gotten! (And there are at least 5 precursors to this one that didn't make the cut, so PIN DAT.) I used less honey (a scant 1/3 cup instead of a full 1/2 cup) because the comments said it was too sweet, and next time I'll use slightly less ginger because it cleared my sinuses just a little more than is comfortable. Otherwise, totally tasted wonderful and was super quick and easy.
One other story from the grocery store, since the grocery store is a fascinating place full of magic and wonder: I wanted to buy a couple cans of coconut milk because lots of things that I want to make call for it and I just never have it on hand. But all I could find was a coconut milk wannabe (watered down version made from "coconut milk extract") and then a thing called "coconut cream," which didn't sound like what I wanted either. But I bought the cream because it sounded maybe a little closer to what I wanted and had a less suspicious ingredients list. And then, on my way out of the store (still rejoicing in my free orange), I saw a whole special display bin of normal coconut milk, right there in plain sight! It taunted me to turn around and buy some, but I was in quite a hurry and decided I'd get some next time.
So now I have coconut cream, and the only thing I can think to make with it is the pina colada recipe that it came with. Anyone know of anything delicious that involves coconut cream? The suggestion box is now OPEN.
And we did have a chicken dinner tonight. My quest for the best orange chicken recipe (mentioned briefly here) has been in effect since I became a wife to the man who loves orange chicken more than almost anything, and tonight I found a prettttty good one. Here's the thing I'm really looking for: Panda Express orange chicken that I can make at home with real ingredients and not a ton of fat. So if anyone else is looking for the same, this is the closest I've gotten! (And there are at least 5 precursors to this one that didn't make the cut, so PIN DAT.) I used less honey (a scant 1/3 cup instead of a full 1/2 cup) because the comments said it was too sweet, and next time I'll use slightly less ginger because it cleared my sinuses just a little more than is comfortable. Otherwise, totally tasted wonderful and was super quick and easy.
One other story from the grocery store, since the grocery store is a fascinating place full of magic and wonder: I wanted to buy a couple cans of coconut milk because lots of things that I want to make call for it and I just never have it on hand. But all I could find was a coconut milk wannabe (watered down version made from "coconut milk extract") and then a thing called "coconut cream," which didn't sound like what I wanted either. But I bought the cream because it sounded maybe a little closer to what I wanted and had a less suspicious ingredients list. And then, on my way out of the store (still rejoicing in my free orange), I saw a whole special display bin of normal coconut milk, right there in plain sight! It taunted me to turn around and buy some, but I was in quite a hurry and decided I'd get some next time.
So now I have coconut cream, and the only thing I can think to make with it is the pina colada recipe that it came with. Anyone know of anything delicious that involves coconut cream? The suggestion box is now OPEN.
2.17.2015
In which big brother barges in on my life
Today I added a 45-minute walk to my daily routine. It felt right, plus I had a long podcast waiting that wasn't going to listen to itself!
Weird thing that happened: last night I discussed with Jenna how much we are so ready for a new Imagine Dragons album, and when are they gonna release one already?? And then today I get a little G-chat from Jenna informing me that Imagine Dragons released a new album today. Whaaaaa? We so psychic.
Other weird thing that happened: the Internet was exceptionally creepy today and yesterday. Can your computer listen to the conversations you have and match those with relevant ads? If my computer can do that trick, I want it to unlearn said trick immediately. BIG BROTHER.
Final thought: did you know that the Internet, when written, should always be capitalized? There is only one Internet, and apparently it's diva enough to consider itself a proper noun. Learned that in my MCOM class last year...haven't used it until this blog post, when I capitalized it in the last paragraph. Do you feel more literate for having read this? K thanks, that makes me feel good.
Weird thing that happened: last night I discussed with Jenna how much we are so ready for a new Imagine Dragons album, and when are they gonna release one already?? And then today I get a little G-chat from Jenna informing me that Imagine Dragons released a new album today. Whaaaaa? We so psychic.
Other weird thing that happened: the Internet was exceptionally creepy today and yesterday. Can your computer listen to the conversations you have and match those with relevant ads? If my computer can do that trick, I want it to unlearn said trick immediately. BIG BROTHER.
Final thought: did you know that the Internet, when written, should always be capitalized? There is only one Internet, and apparently it's diva enough to consider itself a proper noun. Learned that in my MCOM class last year...haven't used it until this blog post, when I capitalized it in the last paragraph. Do you feel more literate for having read this? K thanks, that makes me feel good.
2.13.2015
A day in the life
I'd like to record what a normal day is like for me right now, during this student teaching semester.
7:10 AM: Up and at 'em. Brush teeth, shower, put on mascara and clothes, brush hair, drink a glass of milk, make a sandwich, out the door.
7:45 AM: Pick up my student teaching partner and off we go to the magnificent school which has given me the day off today just so I can write this blog post. #ALApride
8:15-8:30: Prep for first period, which basically involves writing a bell quiz on the board and then timing my lesson plan minute by minute because I'm a little crazy.
8:45: First period starts. I teach. It's Math 1050, concurrent enrollment, and the students really are stellar. I usually make at least one awkward joke sometime during this class. It's tradition.
10:55: Second period starts. Becky teaches. I observe.
11:15: Third period. I either watch Becky teach (we go to the library because the class only has 5 students. yes, it's a little weird.) or I teach. If I teach, it's to a bunch of Math 1010 ruffians whom I still love even if they never ever ever ever show up to class. They're all seniors and quite honestly, I get it. I'm a senior, too. Just an older one.
12:20: Lunch! Avoid the faculty room at all costs, for it will smell of a conglomeration of leftovers for the next 30 minutes.
All of the remaining time until school gets out at 3:15: Prep time, paper-writing time, snacking time, board-writing practice time, etc. (There are two class periods during this time, but our cooperating teacher doesn't teach either one, so neither do we.)
4:00: Back at home, which means time for productivity or lounging or both. I consider reading library books or washing dishes productive, and I consider Facebook to be lounging, but both usually happen. I'm fine with that. Oh! And lots of podcast listening in the afternoons until...
6:00 or 7:00: Joseph gets home! And we eat dinner. And we watch an episode of The Office. And we just be together in the same room, doing whatever we want to or need to before the day ends.
8:30: Joseph goes to bed. Well, first we read some scriptures and say some prayers, and then he goes to bed. I make sure to kiss him on the ear because it tickles and he makes an adorable face.
All of the remaining time until I go to bed at 10:00 or 11:00: Prep for first period if I didn't finish earlier, wash dinner dishes, read blogs, write blogs, journal, scripture study, wash face, brush teeth. Bed.
I know, I know. I'm terribly exciting. But that's, like, the exact point of a day-in-the-life record, right?? This is the norm, not the exciting stuff. It's the mere framework of a day into which I carve whatever exciting things I come across. So yeah, there you go. I'm cool with it.
Life be good.
7:10 AM: Up and at 'em. Brush teeth, shower, put on mascara and clothes, brush hair, drink a glass of milk, make a sandwich, out the door.
7:45 AM: Pick up my student teaching partner and off we go to the magnificent school which has given me the day off today just so I can write this blog post. #ALApride
8:15-8:30: Prep for first period, which basically involves writing a bell quiz on the board and then timing my lesson plan minute by minute because I'm a little crazy.
8:45: First period starts. I teach. It's Math 1050, concurrent enrollment, and the students really are stellar. I usually make at least one awkward joke sometime during this class. It's tradition.
10:55: Second period starts. Becky teaches. I observe.
11:15: Third period. I either watch Becky teach (we go to the library because the class only has 5 students. yes, it's a little weird.) or I teach. If I teach, it's to a bunch of Math 1010 ruffians whom I still love even if they never ever ever ever show up to class. They're all seniors and quite honestly, I get it. I'm a senior, too. Just an older one.
12:20: Lunch! Avoid the faculty room at all costs, for it will smell of a conglomeration of leftovers for the next 30 minutes.
All of the remaining time until school gets out at 3:15: Prep time, paper-writing time, snacking time, board-writing practice time, etc. (There are two class periods during this time, but our cooperating teacher doesn't teach either one, so neither do we.)
4:00: Back at home, which means time for productivity or lounging or both. I consider reading library books or washing dishes productive, and I consider Facebook to be lounging, but both usually happen. I'm fine with that. Oh! And lots of podcast listening in the afternoons until...
6:00 or 7:00: Joseph gets home! And we eat dinner. And we watch an episode of The Office. And we just be together in the same room, doing whatever we want to or need to before the day ends.
8:30: Joseph goes to bed. Well, first we read some scriptures and say some prayers, and then he goes to bed. I make sure to kiss him on the ear because it tickles and he makes an adorable face.
All of the remaining time until I go to bed at 10:00 or 11:00: Prep for first period if I didn't finish earlier, wash dinner dishes, read blogs, write blogs, journal, scripture study, wash face, brush teeth. Bed.
I know, I know. I'm terribly exciting. But that's, like, the exact point of a day-in-the-life record, right?? This is the norm, not the exciting stuff. It's the mere framework of a day into which I carve whatever exciting things I come across. So yeah, there you go. I'm cool with it.
Life be good.
2.02.2015
We should all be feminists
If you don't happen to have 30 minutes to watch this right now, I would just recommend that you go ahead and carve out those 30 minutes sometime in the near future. Chimamanda is worth it, and this is important.
1.29.2015
Ill and husbandless
I am ill and husbandless this week, but I feel surprisingly great about life. I think it's because I just watched You've Got Mail. Maybe I'll watch it again tomorrow.
I should probably back up a bit because I just used two adjectives to describe my current self that I wouldn't expect any of you to necessarily know anything about before now.
I am ill because I have had an increasingly sore throat since last Friday, and last night my body tacked a bit of congestion and wicked sneezing into the mix, so as of today, I am admitting that I am ill. I really want to skip school tomorrow, but I figure I can go one more day, especially since we have an observation to attend and I am the designated driver (not because we're drunk but because we don't all have cars). But here's the thing: I think humans have a tendency to overestimate their importance, especially when they get sick, because the world would totally go on spinning tomorrow if I never even got out of bed. And it's kind of freeing and kind of horrible to realize that, ya know? File that under "things to consider next time you're sick."
I am husbandless because Joseph is touring California with the Young Ambassadors this week. It is apparently the busiest tour ever planned because he has had naught but a few sporadic, 5-minute chunks of time to chat with me, and today marks the end of day seven out of ten. I am now, sadly, accustomed to the lack of communication, but that doesn't mean it's not still a bummer. Needless to say, I await with great excitement the moment on Sunday evening when we run into each other's arms from across the RB parking lot. He better remember to set down his guitar first...
Today at school, my cooperating teacher asked my partner and I whether we knew of any good way to make a quick invitation for a Valentine party. I pulled up Canva to show her, and then she asked if we'd just make one for her real quick. That was the moment I realized that student teaching might not be just about student teaching. I could talk more about that, but I think I'll not for now. Sorry for the cliffhanger.
But check out what we did!
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Isn't a Valentine dinner for the widows of the ward a cute idea?? I like this Bishop Hanson guy already.
I should probably back up a bit because I just used two adjectives to describe my current self that I wouldn't expect any of you to necessarily know anything about before now.
I am ill because I have had an increasingly sore throat since last Friday, and last night my body tacked a bit of congestion and wicked sneezing into the mix, so as of today, I am admitting that I am ill. I really want to skip school tomorrow, but I figure I can go one more day, especially since we have an observation to attend and I am the designated driver (not because we're drunk but because we don't all have cars). But here's the thing: I think humans have a tendency to overestimate their importance, especially when they get sick, because the world would totally go on spinning tomorrow if I never even got out of bed. And it's kind of freeing and kind of horrible to realize that, ya know? File that under "things to consider next time you're sick."
I am husbandless because Joseph is touring California with the Young Ambassadors this week. It is apparently the busiest tour ever planned because he has had naught but a few sporadic, 5-minute chunks of time to chat with me, and today marks the end of day seven out of ten. I am now, sadly, accustomed to the lack of communication, but that doesn't mean it's not still a bummer. Needless to say, I await with great excitement the moment on Sunday evening when we run into each other's arms from across the RB parking lot. He better remember to set down his guitar first...
Today at school, my cooperating teacher asked my partner and I whether we knew of any good way to make a quick invitation for a Valentine party. I pulled up Canva to show her, and then she asked if we'd just make one for her real quick. That was the moment I realized that student teaching might not be just about student teaching. I could talk more about that, but I think I'll not for now. Sorry for the cliffhanger.
But check out what we did!
1.22.2015
#pushplay
This is on repeat tonight for no reason except that I love it. That is reason enough, no? Yum.
1.13.2015
I promise it wasn't a birthday hangover.
I am officially in the real swing of this student teaching thing. Wanna know how I know that? Because I accidentally slept in until 9:40 today. (Class starts at 8:45, we have to be there at 8:15.) So you know what that means: time to switch alarms!
In all truthfulness, though, I think I slept in because I think I have the flu. It's mild and I'm combating it by eating nothing and drinking lots of water, which is working for me. (As Mom wisely told Mattea, "The less you eat, the less you can poop!") It didn't hurt that I got three extra hours of sleep last night, either, so kudos to my ears for neglecting to hear three alarms, two phone calls, and three texts just to give the rest of my body a little break.
Speaking of a break, did you guys know that high school students get, like, no breaks?? I forgot just how grueling it can be to sit in chairs all day for more than an hour at a time with only five minute breaks between classes. As student teachers, we spend the majority of the first few weeks just observing, and I felt like I needed a nap every day after school for the first week. Note to self: when teaching, find ways to break up the monotony.
I'm changing the subject now! (Joseph says I have a tendency to veer sharply from the subject at hand, sometimes mid-sentence, so I try now to give warning when I'm veering. There's your warning.)
My birthday yesterday was a pretty darn good one. I had a secret wish that my partner and I would be able to leave school early, and then we did. I had a secret wish that Joseph would be able to come home early, and then he did. I had a secret wish that I wouldn't have to make dinner, and then I didn't. And I had a secret wish that the pineapple I chopped up in the morning would be delicious, and then it was. Basically, all my wildest dreams came true before I ever even opened any presents! (More dreams came true during presents time, too.) It was a great day, and then it ended with homemade brownies, so it was a fantastic day.
Thought as of late: should I, or should I not, post a Facebook album of our wedding photos? I never did because I loved them too much to post to Facebook (I'm kind of a snob), but my sentiments have changed and now my only fear is that people will be like, wait didn't they get married forever ago? I guess I'd just have to say, "Yes, yes we did," and then we could all move on from the awkward. Anyone have anything to weigh in on this issue? I'm not mad if you don't. Just thought I'd ask.
In all truthfulness, though, I think I slept in because I think I have the flu. It's mild and I'm combating it by eating nothing and drinking lots of water, which is working for me. (As Mom wisely told Mattea, "The less you eat, the less you can poop!") It didn't hurt that I got three extra hours of sleep last night, either, so kudos to my ears for neglecting to hear three alarms, two phone calls, and three texts just to give the rest of my body a little break.
Speaking of a break, did you guys know that high school students get, like, no breaks?? I forgot just how grueling it can be to sit in chairs all day for more than an hour at a time with only five minute breaks between classes. As student teachers, we spend the majority of the first few weeks just observing, and I felt like I needed a nap every day after school for the first week. Note to self: when teaching, find ways to break up the monotony.
I'm changing the subject now! (Joseph says I have a tendency to veer sharply from the subject at hand, sometimes mid-sentence, so I try now to give warning when I'm veering. There's your warning.)
My birthday yesterday was a pretty darn good one. I had a secret wish that my partner and I would be able to leave school early, and then we did. I had a secret wish that Joseph would be able to come home early, and then he did. I had a secret wish that I wouldn't have to make dinner, and then I didn't. And I had a secret wish that the pineapple I chopped up in the morning would be delicious, and then it was. Basically, all my wildest dreams came true before I ever even opened any presents! (More dreams came true during presents time, too.) It was a great day, and then it ended with homemade brownies, so it was a fantastic day.
Thought as of late: should I, or should I not, post a Facebook album of our wedding photos? I never did because I loved them too much to post to Facebook (I'm kind of a snob), but my sentiments have changed and now my only fear is that people will be like, wait didn't they get married forever ago? I guess I'd just have to say, "Yes, yes we did," and then we could all move on from the awkward. Anyone have anything to weigh in on this issue? I'm not mad if you don't. Just thought I'd ask.
1.06.2015
Winter 2015 semester run-down
This week I began my final semester as a student at BYU, and if you thought for one second that I wouldn't still write up my pre-judgments for my classes, then you were mistaken. Here's the thing, though: I only have one class because student teaching is one 12-credit-hour class, and you're not allowed to take anything else during the semester you student teach. So. Pre-judgments for my class, not classes.
Student Teaching :: My partner and I have been assigned to teach at a charter school, and this is the first time said charter school has ever accepted any student teachers. Now, we haven't met with the principal yet (that's tomorrow morning), but everyone else seemed a liiiiiiiittle wary of us today (except our actual mentor teacher, who is great fun). So there seems to be some extra pressure to prove myself although I'm sure that anybody I actually asked would be quick to say, "Nah, don't worry about it." Also, they have really strict rules that I'm worried about breaking (this dress code definitely puts my last job's dress code to shame). HOWEVER, the good news is that I'm scared enough of actually teaching real students for extended periods of time that I really can't afford to worry about much else right now. I'll just hope that my first impressions were faulty and tread water the best I can for now. Should be fun!
And come April 16, I will be done and graduated and licensed and whoa--adulthood is impatiently knocking.
Here goes nothing.
Student Teaching :: My partner and I have been assigned to teach at a charter school, and this is the first time said charter school has ever accepted any student teachers. Now, we haven't met with the principal yet (that's tomorrow morning), but everyone else seemed a liiiiiiiittle wary of us today (except our actual mentor teacher, who is great fun). So there seems to be some extra pressure to prove myself although I'm sure that anybody I actually asked would be quick to say, "Nah, don't worry about it." Also, they have really strict rules that I'm worried about breaking (this dress code definitely puts my last job's dress code to shame). HOWEVER, the good news is that I'm scared enough of actually teaching real students for extended periods of time that I really can't afford to worry about much else right now. I'll just hope that my first impressions were faulty and tread water the best I can for now. Should be fun!
And come April 16, I will be done and graduated and licensed and whoa--adulthood is impatiently knocking.
Here goes nothing.
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