One time as I listened to David Gray's early album at my mom's house, she mentioned that he was clearly British. I asked, "Could you tell by his accent?" She said, "No, his diction. His word choice is clearly British; an American would never use some of those words."
She's right. Although his music has improved over time, his lyrics lack the prophetic passion his earlier work had. There's a poetry and accuracy within his early stuff. It's as if he went to LA and learned how to be shallow. As if he fell in love with a blond, got a tan, and penned "Please Forgive Me" and "Babylon" in lieu of "Let the Truth Sting." Not that "Please Forgive Me" isn't a great song; it just lacks scope and magnitude. Yes, there's universality in particularity, but there's also a place for the poetic pointing finger calling us out. Please forgive me, I miss the old David Gray.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
fun with fritattas
I have never made a fritatta, and I'm not sure I've eaten one. But, I got curious because I heard about them, and they seem like an easy quiche. And, I thought the word sounded Spanish. I was wrong: it's Italian for omelette. However, I think I want to make a spinach and mushroom one after I finish up my casseroles.
I had my brother over for dinner. He was an easy guest. Of course, I wasn't at my apartment when he got there. I was on a a beer walk (he once noted, "J, I'm not gay. I don't drink red wine or hot tea.") So, things didn't run smoothly, but that's part of the fun. Hospitality feels a lot like teaching in that respect. He said he liked the salmon casserole better than the Mexican one when he was prepared to enjoy the Mexican. I like how easy going he is-- I had chips and salsa out on the table then served yeast rolls. He didn't blink an eye. Then, "for entertainment", we went on a walk and swung on the elementary school swings and talked about life and jobs. I had a great time. Of course, he's had years of practice with my antics.
So, I borrowed "Love Walked In" by Marisa De Los Santos from the library because my sister said she could see me writing some of the sentences in it. That piqued my interest: what kind of sentences would I write? It looks like chit lit (bad); it's a NYT bestseller (less bad).
I've finished my homework for my Bible study, but haven't done the writing assigment for my Spanish class. I'm supposed to write a single's want ad peppered with reflexive verbs. If I do it, I'll just write random sentences with "me gusta" and "nos preocupa", etc. I get she's trying to do "authentic writing" exercises, but that kind of writing is the antithesis of authentic for me.
I didn't run today. I grade Rikki-tikki-tavi tests instead.
I had my brother over for dinner. He was an easy guest. Of course, I wasn't at my apartment when he got there. I was on a a beer walk (he once noted, "J, I'm not gay. I don't drink red wine or hot tea.") So, things didn't run smoothly, but that's part of the fun. Hospitality feels a lot like teaching in that respect. He said he liked the salmon casserole better than the Mexican one when he was prepared to enjoy the Mexican. I like how easy going he is-- I had chips and salsa out on the table then served yeast rolls. He didn't blink an eye. Then, "for entertainment", we went on a walk and swung on the elementary school swings and talked about life and jobs. I had a great time. Of course, he's had years of practice with my antics.
So, I borrowed "Love Walked In" by Marisa De Los Santos from the library because my sister said she could see me writing some of the sentences in it. That piqued my interest: what kind of sentences would I write? It looks like chit lit (bad); it's a NYT bestseller (less bad).
I've finished my homework for my Bible study, but haven't done the writing assigment for my Spanish class. I'm supposed to write a single's want ad peppered with reflexive verbs. If I do it, I'll just write random sentences with "me gusta" and "nos preocupa", etc. I get she's trying to do "authentic writing" exercises, but that kind of writing is the antithesis of authentic for me.
I didn't run today. I grade Rikki-tikki-tavi tests instead.
Monday, October 4, 2010
rikki tikki tavi
This weekend wandered through its alotted hours at a quick enjoyable pace. Sleep was my major accomplishment, looking upon it. I was exhausted and crabby Friday night, but by Sunday, I was back to amiable.
I went to the opening of the uptown Mint Museum of Art. It was fantastic-- they were open 24 hours for free. I took advantage of the tame, family-friendly hours. The art teacher from my school was there figure-drawing. I posed with the paid model for 15 minutes. It was a lot harder than it looks. But, the charcoal is now safely tucked under my bed. I haven't set it yet.
I had a lovely dinner with a dear friend and we aimed to discuss Eugene Peterson's Reversed Thunder. But, we didn't get past the introduction-- there was too many other things with which to chat-- from bangs to PhDs to genes. The food and company were incredibly enjoyable and edifying. Friends feel like home. I remember who I am outside of present circumstances when I'm with a true friend. CSL may be right when he calls friendship the highest love. Being around M always renews my appreciation and awe of the power of hospitality and food.
I was so inspired by M that on Sunday afternoon I spent two hours cooking. I made a salmon, spinach, sauteed mushroom, onion and garlic, corn, cream of mushroom and whole wheat rotini casserole. And a mexican one with brown rice, salsa, corn, chicken, onions, black beans and cheese. I froze the extra in zip lock bags-- I spread them out in a thin layer so it will be easy to thaw them. I felt very creative. Cooking makes me want to drink wine.
We're reading Rikki Tikki Tavi in class. It's a fun little ditty full of simile and metaphor, which is fun.
I went to the opening of the uptown Mint Museum of Art. It was fantastic-- they were open 24 hours for free. I took advantage of the tame, family-friendly hours. The art teacher from my school was there figure-drawing. I posed with the paid model for 15 minutes. It was a lot harder than it looks. But, the charcoal is now safely tucked under my bed. I haven't set it yet.
I had a lovely dinner with a dear friend and we aimed to discuss Eugene Peterson's Reversed Thunder. But, we didn't get past the introduction-- there was too many other things with which to chat-- from bangs to PhDs to genes. The food and company were incredibly enjoyable and edifying. Friends feel like home. I remember who I am outside of present circumstances when I'm with a true friend. CSL may be right when he calls friendship the highest love. Being around M always renews my appreciation and awe of the power of hospitality and food.
I was so inspired by M that on Sunday afternoon I spent two hours cooking. I made a salmon, spinach, sauteed mushroom, onion and garlic, corn, cream of mushroom and whole wheat rotini casserole. And a mexican one with brown rice, salsa, corn, chicken, onions, black beans and cheese. I froze the extra in zip lock bags-- I spread them out in a thin layer so it will be easy to thaw them. I felt very creative. Cooking makes me want to drink wine.
We're reading Rikki Tikki Tavi in class. It's a fun little ditty full of simile and metaphor, which is fun.
Monday, September 27, 2010
baby!!
M had her baby today at 2:15 am Pacific Time: Safiya Hope who is 9lbs and 20 inches. It sounds from the brief sketch that I got, that it was an incredibly rough labor-- 34 hours that ended in a C-section. But, Safiya looks like she's pretty sturdy from her stats. It was an incredibly rough pregnancy too. I'm happy for M that all the waiting is over and the real fun begins.
It's so odd to think that two Junes ago I met her bf now husband, I went to their wedding in October, and now they're parents to an incredibly beautiful tank. We serve an amazing God! Sometimes when I whine about the seeming monotony of my life, my sister points out that I have no clue where I'll be in a year (geographically, professionally, relationally)-- that monotony is an illusion. CS Lewis says that it is an illusion that Satan gives us to make us disgruntled and restless. However, M. is living proof you're future is an adventure.
My roommate from Regent is preggers and almost ready to give birth too. It's a baby saturated time. It's so odd to be in such a different place in my life. I'm really excited for them but feel alienated too because this experience is so far outside of mine. Plus, a date seems a reach right now let alone marriage and kids.
So in honor of all my friends' long, intense labors, I'm going to do a 24 hour adventure race with three Marines October 16th. It starts at 12 noon and ends at 12 noon. There's mountain biking, paddling, orienteering and trekking. You carry all of your gear. It's going to be all out insanity. I'm going to be the only girl. It's going to be miserable and awesome!!
It's so odd to think that two Junes ago I met her bf now husband, I went to their wedding in October, and now they're parents to an incredibly beautiful tank. We serve an amazing God! Sometimes when I whine about the seeming monotony of my life, my sister points out that I have no clue where I'll be in a year (geographically, professionally, relationally)-- that monotony is an illusion. CS Lewis says that it is an illusion that Satan gives us to make us disgruntled and restless. However, M. is living proof you're future is an adventure.
My roommate from Regent is preggers and almost ready to give birth too. It's a baby saturated time. It's so odd to be in such a different place in my life. I'm really excited for them but feel alienated too because this experience is so far outside of mine. Plus, a date seems a reach right now let alone marriage and kids.
So in honor of all my friends' long, intense labors, I'm going to do a 24 hour adventure race with three Marines October 16th. It starts at 12 noon and ends at 12 noon. There's mountain biking, paddling, orienteering and trekking. You carry all of your gear. It's going to be all out insanity. I'm going to be the only girl. It's going to be miserable and awesome!!
Friday, September 24, 2010
character vs. fate
I've been particularly inspired with my teaching as of late. I'm figuring out new ways to present ideas. For instance, I've been using images to teach vocabulary... and it works. All I have to say is "big eggplant shakes his finger at little eggplant" and my kids will say "admonish". And, I made 100-point font versions of the words and cut them out and color coded them for my kinesthetic (sp?) learners-- and they loved it. I've added this to the already popular "vocabulary charades"-- the kids ask to play it. I'm keen to see their test scores after this approach. When I do this kind of lesson, it's how I'd imagined teaching would be.
Today I decided to do visuals for my conflict presentation/ power point. I enjoyed it: the kids brought up interesting examples. And, it wasn't until I was drinking Pepsi and reading Mocking Bird at Ikea did one of my questions for my students hit me: "What are the types of conflict are in your life?" And, I realized so much of my angst is character vs. fate and character vs. self (i.e. internal). I rail against my life-- it's so not what I had in mind. And sometimes the dissonance between what I want and I what I have is suffocating. And, I don't know how to get to where I want... and sometimes I can't even name what I am pining after.
For instance, I'm Southern: I was born in the South to to Southerners. It doesn't get much more southern than that (each side is at least 4 generations back). Yet, as a friend observed, "You're the least southern Southerner I've ever met. I know transplants that are more southern than you." Then, last night I lifted my funk about (what feels like) my perpetual singleness by looking at pictures from various trips. It was a good reminder of some of the amazingness I've experienced that a lot of people will never experience. It eased the pain of not getting to experience a relationship. Travelling in Japan, Galapogos, Greece, Macchu Pichu isn't the same as having kids, but neither will they mutate into teenagers.
I think I need to come up with a schedule so that I stay busy with stuff that heads me in the direction that I want to go. Like tonight I should have studied and read instead of shopping without buying anything. I guess it was good encouragement to run since the pants were not a desirable fit and I didn't waste any money. But, otherwise, it was a waste of time. But, I need to focus on the positive.
Today I decided to do visuals for my conflict presentation/ power point. I enjoyed it: the kids brought up interesting examples. And, it wasn't until I was drinking Pepsi and reading Mocking Bird at Ikea did one of my questions for my students hit me: "What are the types of conflict are in your life?" And, I realized so much of my angst is character vs. fate and character vs. self (i.e. internal). I rail against my life-- it's so not what I had in mind. And sometimes the dissonance between what I want and I what I have is suffocating. And, I don't know how to get to where I want... and sometimes I can't even name what I am pining after.
For instance, I'm Southern: I was born in the South to to Southerners. It doesn't get much more southern than that (each side is at least 4 generations back). Yet, as a friend observed, "You're the least southern Southerner I've ever met. I know transplants that are more southern than you." Then, last night I lifted my funk about (what feels like) my perpetual singleness by looking at pictures from various trips. It was a good reminder of some of the amazingness I've experienced that a lot of people will never experience. It eased the pain of not getting to experience a relationship. Travelling in Japan, Galapogos, Greece, Macchu Pichu isn't the same as having kids, but neither will they mutate into teenagers.
I think I need to come up with a schedule so that I stay busy with stuff that heads me in the direction that I want to go. Like tonight I should have studied and read instead of shopping without buying anything. I guess it was good encouragement to run since the pants were not a desirable fit and I didn't waste any money. But, otherwise, it was a waste of time. But, I need to focus on the positive.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
tiger rising projects
My students turned in their TR projects today. Well, I should say they were due, and about two-thirds of my students brought their projects. I was appalled at the work... or lack thereof. Seriously? I gave three As and mostly Cs. There's a part of me that blanches at giving a kid an F-- but it would be an insult to the child and all things noble and good to attach any higher grade. No doubt I'm going to get a zillion complaints because interims go out Thursday (and my principal won't back me; she doesn't believe kids should fail-- even if they do absolutely jack). So be it. I can't teach that shoddy work is acceptable. I feel somehow responsible for what they turned in, and I don't know why. This was utterly depressing. Perhaps, I should have explained my expectations better.
I didn't get a run in, which I should have made a priority. I need to join the Y--it's too dark to run when I got home. But, I did work on my Genesis study. It was fun. K, my roommie, referred to me as a "life-long learner" with all my classes and books-- the library loves your type of person. So, when my sister called me a nerd tonight; I corrected her, "I'm a lifelong learner." She responded, "Goodnight, life-long nerd. Happy studying." And, this life-long learner needs a desk in her room, so she can nerd it up in private.
I'm contemplating a second job, but, perhaps, weaning my spending is a better idea. I need to think and pray on it. It'll cut in on my running and studying but will mean I can travel this summer. Perhaps, I can join a low time commitment ponzi scheme.
I didn't get a run in, which I should have made a priority. I need to join the Y--it's too dark to run when I got home. But, I did work on my Genesis study. It was fun. K, my roommie, referred to me as a "life-long learner" with all my classes and books-- the library loves your type of person. So, when my sister called me a nerd tonight; I corrected her, "I'm a lifelong learner." She responded, "Goodnight, life-long nerd. Happy studying." And, this life-long learner needs a desk in her room, so she can nerd it up in private.
I'm contemplating a second job, but, perhaps, weaning my spending is a better idea. I need to think and pray on it. It'll cut in on my running and studying but will mean I can travel this summer. Perhaps, I can join a low time commitment ponzi scheme.
Monday, September 20, 2010
a long time
Everyone needs a 5 month hiatus every now and again. Mine was put to good use: 3 weeks on the Vineyard, a month in Latin America (Peru (Macchu Pichu), Ecuador (Galapagos Islands)), a weekend get-away to Boston, and I moved about 20 miles in distance, but it feels a lot further.
Update:
- I'm taking Spanish lessons on Wednesdays. There are 3 students in my class; our teacher is from Columbia. I've been to one class, and I'm thinking Level 3 might be a little ambitious. But, it will be fun. Why my sudden interest in Espanol? Embarrassment when I was in Latin America-- everybody I met was multi-lingual except for other Americans. Next, I want to take Hebrew at the Jewish Center. But, I know my limitations... one language at a time.
- I'm loving my classes this year. Let me tell you: good students make all the difference! I actually am kind of excited to go into work. It's as the Chief says it's good to give and receive... you're getting fed too; it makes a difference. And, I am. My emotional climate classroom is much warmer this year. I have about ten readers-- it's so fun to talk books with them. Plus, it's freeing to know that I won't be back next year. I need to get on the process of getting a job lined up.
- Church. I feel hesitant to make the announcement, but I think I've found one. King of Kings Anglican church. The pastor is a Regent grad. It's a teaching church that's into being Jesus' hands and feet. The service had all three of my must-haves: Nicene Creed, Lord's Prayer and expository preaching (he just plowed on through Psalm 84). They're under the Rwandan bishop-- so their talk about the universal church is more than PC chatter. I saw a woman on Sunday that I met at Well of Mercy and was glad to see because she was incredibly interesting and funny. And, there's a women's Bible study on Genesis-- not weight loss or being a loving wife. I'm a fan of the single-sex without the cloyingly sweet subject material. I'm so not a knitter. (This has made me a little giddy. I had no idea how much it had been weighing on me. My ever-pragmatic sister warned me that it won't be perfect because a church is a bunch of people.)
- I moved. I like my cute, little, old apartment. I think my roommate and I will work well together. I love the running-- the neighborhoods are great with huge trees, and there are parks. It's fantastic! And, I can walk to lots of little independent restaurants and an independent theater. It feels like I live in a city. The apartment is tiny, but I'm referring to it as "European" and seeing it as a growth opportunity. I'm way to American with all the crap I have. I need to pare down. Although 100 things is not a realistic goal at this time, I think I can definitely streamline my stuff and work on my attitude and relationship to buying and owning.
I hope to be more frequent. It dawned on me as I started treating my FB status as self-expression that I needed to get back to blogging! Although I terminated all my readership through the hiatus, I'm back! I'm reading Peterson's Reversed Thunder and Collins' Mockingjay. So, I'll report on that and other belly-button flint as I see fit.
Quotation: "Life is too short to be small." Disraeli
Update:
- I'm taking Spanish lessons on Wednesdays. There are 3 students in my class; our teacher is from Columbia. I've been to one class, and I'm thinking Level 3 might be a little ambitious. But, it will be fun. Why my sudden interest in Espanol? Embarrassment when I was in Latin America-- everybody I met was multi-lingual except for other Americans. Next, I want to take Hebrew at the Jewish Center. But, I know my limitations... one language at a time.
- I'm loving my classes this year. Let me tell you: good students make all the difference! I actually am kind of excited to go into work. It's as the Chief says it's good to give and receive... you're getting fed too; it makes a difference. And, I am. My emotional climate classroom is much warmer this year. I have about ten readers-- it's so fun to talk books with them. Plus, it's freeing to know that I won't be back next year. I need to get on the process of getting a job lined up.
- Church. I feel hesitant to make the announcement, but I think I've found one. King of Kings Anglican church. The pastor is a Regent grad. It's a teaching church that's into being Jesus' hands and feet. The service had all three of my must-haves: Nicene Creed, Lord's Prayer and expository preaching (he just plowed on through Psalm 84). They're under the Rwandan bishop-- so their talk about the universal church is more than PC chatter. I saw a woman on Sunday that I met at Well of Mercy and was glad to see because she was incredibly interesting and funny. And, there's a women's Bible study on Genesis-- not weight loss or being a loving wife. I'm a fan of the single-sex without the cloyingly sweet subject material. I'm so not a knitter. (This has made me a little giddy. I had no idea how much it had been weighing on me. My ever-pragmatic sister warned me that it won't be perfect because a church is a bunch of people.)
- I moved. I like my cute, little, old apartment. I think my roommate and I will work well together. I love the running-- the neighborhoods are great with huge trees, and there are parks. It's fantastic! And, I can walk to lots of little independent restaurants and an independent theater. It feels like I live in a city. The apartment is tiny, but I'm referring to it as "European" and seeing it as a growth opportunity. I'm way to American with all the crap I have. I need to pare down. Although 100 things is not a realistic goal at this time, I think I can definitely streamline my stuff and work on my attitude and relationship to buying and owning.
I hope to be more frequent. It dawned on me as I started treating my FB status as self-expression that I needed to get back to blogging! Although I terminated all my readership through the hiatus, I'm back! I'm reading Peterson's Reversed Thunder and Collins' Mockingjay. So, I'll report on that and other belly-button flint as I see fit.
Quotation: "Life is too short to be small." Disraeli
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