tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33198152011-04-21T14:53:39.204-05:00Purebred human. No vampire in there.stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.comBlogger8251100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-25038063905589656622009-05-19T10:10:00.003-05:002009-05-19T10:24:03.561-05:00

It's job-hunting season again for teachers, and the competition is cut-throat. It's almost impossible to get a job without experience. Yet, as in every industry - how do you get experience? I'm tutoring and subbing, but I don't really know what else to do. I've applied to about 40 CPS schools, a couple of north suburban districts that I can reach via Metra, and the handful of charter schools that

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-3601269265712854272009-04-28T22:58:00.002-05:002009-04-28T23:08:17.797-05:00

I haven't posted in a month and a half. Unbelievable. I think a lot of my journaling energy is being focused either into my 365, or into Facebook status updates. Oh, Facebook.So, Skitch and I are living together. We moved his stuff in this past weekend, and are now trying to figure out where to put it all. Yes, we've been dating less than four months. But it feels so right, so what else can you

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-40072572319385548382009-03-03T21:06:00.001-06:002009-03-03T21:09:15.559-06:00

Skitch drew this yesterday. It makes me feel gooey.

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-15265691996153356992009-02-25T07:57:00.004-06:002009-02-25T08:21:54.977-06:00

So, it's been weeks since I posted. I guess I've been lacking words lately. I've been participating in the Flickr 365 Days Self Portrait Challenge, which has taken up a lot of my creative energy.I've also been sick, pretty much non-stop, for over a month now. Which, if you know me, is highly unusual. I had a little breakdown last night, when I realized that I've probably been so sick because I've

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-19445062075324223232009-02-05T13:18:00.002-06:002009-02-05T13:26:17.294-06:00

If you don't care about how education is funded, you may want to stop reading now.My friend's mom, who lives in a small town in northern Ohio, recently sent an angry letter to a local radio talk show host, lambasting him for his on-air statements about the local school levy. As a teacher, it was great to read a letter supporting public education. With her permission, I'm reprinting it here.Mr.

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-42102746563511483822009-01-27T07:44:00.003-06:002009-01-27T07:52:11.407-06:00

I haven't been working very much the past few weeks, which has been kind of stressful. At first, it was my own fault, then it wasn't anymore. Thankfully, the tutoring has been plentiful, which will keep me afloat, but the subbing has been scarce. It's been a combination of factors, including the really bad weather making me not want to go out, and then the end of the quarter meaning that teachers

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-29544939328142727262009-01-21T07:25:00.002-06:002009-01-21T07:28:46.182-06:00

President Obama. That sounds really good. Yesterday as I watched the post-oath events, I got a little tickle in the stomach every time I heard the Wolf Blitzer say "The President" or "President Obama." That tickle is a nice replacement for the tense sensation I got whenever I heard the word "President" over the last 6 or so years.Don't get me wrong, I'm not one of these people who thinks things

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-76619744916780252462009-01-20T18:12:00.002-06:002009-01-20T18:18:07.307-06:00

I wanted to do the 365 Days Project on Flickr this year, but of course I forgot to start it on the first of January. If you aren't familiar with the 365 Project, it's pretty simple - take a self portrait every day for a year. Many people either start on the first of the year, or on their birthday or some other important day. I had initially planned to start on my first day as a teacher in my own

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-57719447180883868072009-01-09T07:37:00.003-06:002009-01-09T07:52:55.145-06:00

I'm sitting here this morning with actual free time. I'm all dressed up and ready to go, waiting to see if I get a sub call, and kind of hoping that I can just go back to bed.The last three weeks have been an exhausting roller coaster ride, but I was at a point where there was so much happening, that putting it into words seemed overwhelming. I resolve to blog more regularly here in 09. So the

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-22303592676871848832008-12-17T22:48:00.002-06:002008-12-17T22:50:30.494-06:00

I forgot to mention this - I officially have my master's degree. I'm waiting for the actual diploma to arrive, but according to my transcript, I am now a "Master of Education." BOW TO ME!I'm not planning to attend the ceremony or anything, so this is the official announcement. Whoopie!

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-78990808513936034132008-12-13T09:07:00.006-06:002008-12-13T09:26:18.081-06:00

Oh my gosh, almost two weeks without blogging. I have been so busy the last few weeks, my life has sort of been sucked into a vortex. I can't believe it is the middle of December already.What I've been doing:Subbing pretty much full-time. At the school where I had worked most often, about a month ago, one of the librarians had a big personal event, and she hasn't been to work, so I've been

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-91766086780542641632008-12-02T20:27:00.002-06:002008-12-02T20:37:19.396-06:00

People have sometimes shown surprise that I only do tech, and don't perform or act. I think it is important to know what you are really good at, and what you're not.One of my favorite TV shows is "Sports Night." The quote below is from an episode where a consultant who was brought in by higher-ups explains his role in helping the cast and crew of a sports show that is supposedly "under-achieving.

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-12085772197587502482008-11-23T11:12:00.003-06:002008-11-23T11:20:06.837-06:00

Apparently, the Vatican issued a statement "forgiving" John Lennon for the infamous statement he made back in 1966 that the "Beatles were bigger than Jesus." The Vatican apparently decided that the statement was forgivable, because, with the passage of time, it "sounds only like a 'boast' by a young working-class Englishman faced with unexpected success."How big of you guys. It's unfortunate that

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-16366659752057979522008-11-22T16:19:00.004-06:002008-11-22T16:39:38.916-06:00

We opened Soiree Dada: Schmuckt die Hallen last night. It was amazing. The show went so well, the cast was excellent, and the 100+ audience was really into the show.I have some friends who I know are either not fans of DADA, or just cautious about it. I really encourage you to try this show out. I think it is a lot more accessible than the past two DADA shows we've had (the other two I worked on)

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-62968802373726948832008-11-21T07:23:00.002-06:002008-11-21T07:31:48.047-06:00

So, I've been learning sign language this week!I have been subbing all week in the library, at a school that has a deaf program. Therefore, I've been working with some of the deaf students. Through them and their interpreters, I was picking up a few signs, and I got curious and started reading some of the sign books in the library to learn more.Obviously, my sign vocabulary at this point allows

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-71662331759464025372008-11-18T11:40:00.003-06:002008-11-18T11:50:02.754-06:00

Last week, the Chicago Public Schools were closed for three days. Next week, the Chicago Public Schools are closed two days. This week, the schools are open all week - so it is really important that I be able to work this week.This week is also tech week for the DADA show, so I teched 16 hours this past weekend. I was at tech for over 5 hours last night. I've got tech tonight and tomorrow night

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-56620347391700596672008-11-13T22:58:00.002-06:002008-11-13T23:09:56.074-06:00

My life is busy, but not really blog-worthy right now. Or maybe it's just sapping all my mental energy.I'm subbing a few days a week.I tutor 3-4 days a week.I'm trying to find a short-term roommate (like 6-8 months)I'm still hunting for a full-time jobMy cat has hyperthyroidism.My low back permanently aches.It's 40 degrees outside and 85 degrees in my apartmentSoiree DADA: Schmuck Die Hallen

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-85343648193234588312008-11-05T06:29:00.001-06:002008-11-05T06:31:34.831-06:00

Wow. Just wow. This hasn't really sunk in yet. I think I'm kinda in shock.But today, the world is looking a little brighter.

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-1296644905738305612008-10-30T09:52:00.004-05:002008-10-30T10:30:27.447-05:00

I am absolutely in love with this image, taken with a pinhole camera, over 6 months in one continuous exposure, in Bristol. This shows the path of the sun from winter through spring. The science of it is amazing enough, but I just love the visual. It reminds me somehow of Van Gogh's "Starry Night."Learn more about how it was done, and to see other images done this way, go to New Scientist.Via Bad

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-32760383717213055762008-10-28T09:31:00.004-05:002008-10-28T10:34:14.777-05:00

I am so ready for this election to be over. I'm so tired of all these crazy "Obama is a Muslim Socialist" people. People who are just willfully ignorant.I've lost all my will to argue with people who want to continue to believe that Obama supported comprehensive sex-ed for kindergartners, or that he's going to "spread their wealth around" (as opposed to just send their wealth to Iraq to kill

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-38397703363847695642008-10-22T15:54:00.003-05:002008-10-22T16:17:05.095-05:00

Everyone, thank you, seriously, for all the comments and advice and support. It really, really did help, if for no other reason than to hear that I'm not totally crazy in what I think about Chicago (especially you, Telfer!). It also helps to get lots of different perspectives.I'll go ahead and explain that one of the major reasons I'm even considering going back to Ohio is that my younger sister

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-42215027330720052792008-10-20T10:10:00.003-05:002008-10-20T10:52:57.139-05:00

So I am currently doing a complete re-examination of my life and deciding on my path. For the past three+ years, I have been in graduate school, and had to stay here in Chicago. But at the end of November, I am done with the final class of my graduate program. At that point, the tie requiring me to stay in Chicago is cut.The past few months have been painful ones for me. I'll be honest - I really

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-56403614294124127362008-10-14T21:51:00.002-05:002008-10-14T22:36:55.945-05:00

Subbing is indeed starting to pick up a bit. (Thank god.) I worked three days last week (of the four I volunteered for), and I worked today.Today's experience was a new one for me. I subbed at a school in Humboldt Park (the west side of Chicago), that was a bit different from the north side schools I've been accustomed to.I was covering for the music teacher, so I didn't stay in a single room all

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-81827452981375554322008-10-08T17:32:00.003-05:002008-10-08T17:46:35.104-05:00

So, I got an email today that I am not in the top three for the writing teacher position. Well, that saves me the trouble of having to put together a curriculum plan.I'm kinda bummed, because I wanted a full-time job, but kinda not, because as much as it sounds excited, it also sounds hectic and tiring. I think I'd prefer to have my own room and one or two group of kids, not bouncing around from

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-6882107641449534532008-10-06T16:56:00.002-05:002008-10-06T17:09:16.818-05:00

I spent my Saturday in Michigan, canvassing for the Obama campaign. It was great to do, but I came away not feeling like I accomplished very much. At most of the houses, no one was home, and at several more, people didn't really want to talk. I only talked to maybe 4 or 5 people for more than 5 seconds. I did register 2 voters, which was nice.We did see a LOT of Obama/Biden signs, and very few

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-43768233249363264942008-10-03T15:00:00.003-05:002008-10-03T16:11:38.578-05:00

My interview today seemed to go fairly well. The position I was interviewing for is unique. I was told on the phone only that it was for a "middle school writing position." When I got to the interview, the principal gave me some more information.Essentially, the school is not happy with the students' scores on the writing portion of the ISATs, and wants to create more of a focus on writing. The

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-2842600372906164212008-10-02T15:21:00.003-05:002008-10-02T15:42:14.282-05:00

I realized the other day that I never said thank you to all of you who sent me nice emails or made nice comments. THANK YOU! I've really appreciated the pep talks and encouragement. I tend to have a guilt complex and be too hard on myself, so I often need reminders that I don't have to be perfect.Anyway, in other news, I have a rescheduled interview for tomorrow at 1:00 pm, so any extra good

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-43004567235523533712008-09-29T13:53:00.002-05:002008-09-29T13:59:17.711-05:00

So apparently, I really am freaked out by this whole mugging thing, more than I thought I was. I've been rehashing the experience whenever my brain is at rest (shower, falling sleep, etc), thinking about what happened, what I could have done differently (screamed? tried to run? kicked? paid attention to what they looked like?).But today I was walking down the sidewalk, and I heard the sound of

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-47075832723326957712008-09-28T15:44:00.002-05:002008-09-28T16:30:31.591-05:00

So two days later, where am I?Under the category of "stolen stuff," I'm doing pretty well. Luckily, I realized yesterday that I had an extra driver's license. I had lost mine a year or so ago and replaced it, but then found it again. So at least I don't have to replace that. My credit and debt cards have all been canceled, and replacements are on the way. I had my locks changed and have all new

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-8570096364522694372008-09-26T18:31:00.002-05:002008-09-26T18:34:19.116-05:00

So I got purse-snatched today. Yes, I'm okay, physically unhurt.I was on my way to my interview, which was at a school in West Rogers Park (I was west of Ridge), and while walking down the street at 2:15 pm in the afternoon, two 18ish teenagers were walking towards me. Just as they got to me, one went for my bag, and the other came around the other side of me so I couldn't run away. I had a sort

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-53439184620949013422008-09-25T19:45:00.002-05:002008-09-25T20:06:19.527-05:00

During the primaries, and even more so during this campaign, I was positive that most of the polls did not accurately sample Obama voters, as most polls did not call cell phones. My argument was that many Obama voters are urbanites who do not have a landline, or who are not often home. Therefore, polls that called only landlines would be biased against Obama.Too bad I wasn't reading campaign

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-5309346655739387712008-09-23T11:51:00.002-05:002008-09-23T12:01:15.104-05:00

I was reading through one of my new favorite blogs, Campaign Diaries, which is an election analysis blog, and came across this post on what would happen if the electoral college ends up a tie.A tie is actually a decent possibility, based on the polling from the past month. It could very well come down to Ohio or New Hampshire - Obama would need one of them in order to break 270, assuming that all

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-36464229098906199522008-09-23T10:52:00.002-05:002008-09-23T10:55:56.702-05:00

I could do a total political rant, but most of you are already on the same page as me, so I won't go there. You may not be able to escape after the first debate, though.I had my first shift at the Obama HQ - very fun. I'm MAKING A DIFFERENCE.I have two interviews this week. One on Wednesday for a part-time job as a sort of teacher, and one on Friday for a full-time teaching position. Fingers

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-80815561305639248642008-09-18T16:36:00.003-05:002008-09-18T16:45:28.865-05:00

Ok, so I had to bottom out and freak out, so that I could start back up again.On the excellent advice of Mr. Don Hall, experienced in the world of substitute teaching, I dropped my resume at several schools yesterday and got on their sub lists. This is apparently the better way to get sub jobs (nice of the Sub Services Department to tell subs this). One school (only blocks from my house) called

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-84891800856811757522008-09-17T14:41:00.004-05:002008-09-17T14:50:10.181-05:00

I went around and dropped my resume and my smile off at 13 elementary schools this afternoon. It wasn't too nerve-wracking, except the fact that it is almost impossible to drive in a straight line on Chicago neighborhood streets. They randomly turn from 2-way to 1-way, or from 1-way in one direction, to suddenly 1-way the opposite direction. I swear every school I went to, I had to drive twice as

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-76799495883875246532008-09-16T12:04:00.002-05:002008-09-16T12:14:00.191-05:00

I am starting to lose my mind. I'm freaking out. I don't know what is going to happen with a job of any kind. The future is completely unknown. I don't really know what to do.Today I am going to the Sub Services office, to make sure they have my info correct and to see if there is anyway I can increase my chances of getting called.Tomorrow, I am going to go around to schools and drop off a "

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-1073750082727166632008-09-14T17:10:00.004-05:002008-09-15T10:12:15.391-05:00

Out of curiosity, I took a Myers-Briggs personality test. I don't hold a lot of stock in these sorts of things, so I was very surprised when my results actually illuminated the reasons why I've felt so our of sorts lately.I am an ISFJ. Which means I'm moderately introverted (duh), slightly sensing, moderately feeling and moderately judging. All together, I'm not really sure what that means (

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-39392011426611996422008-09-11T11:00:00.003-05:002008-09-11T11:57:37.431-05:00

Many people got through school with only a basic grasp of grammar, figuring that they weren't going into writing, so who cares. Or, they figured, "you know what I mean, what does it matter?"Well, it matters. In the age of the internet, your writing style informs your words. If you write an email, or post on a message board, and your grammar is atrocious, a lot of people are going to basically

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-33335260483847482292008-09-09T20:38:00.002-05:002008-09-09T20:41:37.951-05:00

This website is titled "Typography for Lawyers", but OH MY GOD it should be read by anyone and everyone who has ever written an essay or made a flyer or in general printed or created anything that other people have to read.If you've ever thought "bold, italics, or just all caps?" please click on this link and read everything and learn about how to not annoy people who have to read your work.

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-69760096755971868772008-09-08T12:17:00.004-05:002008-09-08T12:28:28.393-05:00

So in all honesty, I feel like a total failure because I did not get a job for this year. I've been trying to be positive, and act like it doesn't bother me. But it really does. Last week, I was out and about, and seeing kids leaving their schools, with their new backpacks, made my stomach clench. I so, so, wanted my own classroom, wanted to get started. This is who I am supposed to be now, a

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-10781555448236131262008-09-04T12:46:00.003-05:002008-09-04T13:04:53.482-05:00

1) She thinks the war in Iraq was "ordained by God."2) She does not believe in the right to choose, even in cases of rape and incest. Which is funny, because her press release about her daughter's pregnancy specifically said that it was Bristol's decision to keep the baby. As Jon Stewart pointed out, isn't that a "choice" that Palin wants to take away from other families?3) She backs

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-89049039424046339332008-09-01T15:54:00.002-05:002008-09-01T16:10:58.239-05:00

This is called - fitting two weeks worth of groceries onto a single, ordinary, bike. It makes the bike a little unbalanced, but I managed to get it all home.I'm trying to start cooking, at least on a limited basis. My "cooking" prior to now was mostly microwave dinners and the occasional pot of spaghetti or grilled cheese sandwich. So on my trip to the grocery this weekend, I bought only food

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-61339210460366947392008-08-29T10:57:00.003-05:002008-08-29T11:10:55.617-05:00

When I began this post, I wanted to list a series of quotes from Obama's speech last night as reasons why I am voting for him. I went through the text of the speech and pulled out sections that spoke to me, that I believed in.But as I reached the end, I came again to the section that brought me to tears as I listened to it last night, and remembered that in reality, its not policy that drove me

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-62814362095520664412008-08-24T22:32:00.003-05:002008-08-24T22:41:57.988-05:00

WNEP is hosting a karaoke party this Wednesday at The Spot. Come out and join us for crazy singing and an open bar, all for $15.I might break out my Cyndi Lauper.

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-43120147831904383622008-08-22T16:03:00.003-05:002008-08-22T16:08:17.678-05:00

I went down to the CPS offices yesterday, and FINALLY completed all the paperwork and got my official substitute badge.It feels a little anti-climactic, considering how I was planning on this summer ending. There was probably more I could have done to get a job, but whatever it was, it wouldn't have been me. I'm just not a person that can force myself into situations where I feel I'm not wanted.

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-17819766685761143892008-08-19T10:53:00.004-05:002008-08-19T11:10:14.861-05:00

So, yesterday I got my rear in gear and biked out to the lake. And I just might do it again.Does anyone have an experience with using protein powder? I've been having fruit smoothies (with V8 juice added) in the mornings, to try and get at least a little fruits and veggies in my diet, since I'm so terrible about eating well. I really like protein in the morning, as I think it is more filling and

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-26769912690194355892008-08-15T14:59:00.003-05:002008-08-15T15:21:18.793-05:00

So there's something I learned about myself this summer. I have a large gap between my ambition, and my motivation. Or maybe it's between intent and motivation. Perhaps its the difference between "want" and "should."I just spent the past two months jobless. For me, that's a first since I was a teenager. And back in June, I said to myself, "Oh, I can take the summer off and do so many things! I'll

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-58007373378646190712008-08-13T13:57:00.002-05:002008-08-13T13:59:39.509-05:00

All my friends - if you could send me some good vibes between 11:00 am and 11:30 am tomorrow, I would greatly appreciate it.If it works, I'll tell you why.

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-31377713320485842472008-08-12T12:01:00.003-05:002008-08-12T12:14:12.625-05:00

In order to work in the Chicago public schools, you can not have ever been convicted of the following crimes (grouped by category for convenient reading, a courtesy not provided by CPS):Harmful Materials (that's all it says. what? huffing? selling?)violation of the Cannabis Control Actviolation of the Controlled Substance ActObscenityPublic IndecencyIndecent solicitation of a child (is there

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-33042755368300571312008-08-08T12:36:00.002-05:002008-08-08T12:44:08.762-05:00

This morning, I tootled out on my bike to run errands.First, I stopped off at the post office to mail 55 resumes to Chicago public schools. Pretty much all these schools got my resume back in April, but I figure if any of them actually have openings now, it might be good to resubmit - maybe they aren't looking through spring resumes, figuring many of those people have jobs now. Besides, my resume

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-35497313288633930542008-08-07T12:25:00.002-05:002008-08-07T12:32:35.738-05:00

We all have an internal monologue. We narrate about our day, ruminate, ask ourselves questions, pose ideas. We talk to ourselves.My own internal monologue, like many people's, I suspect, can be strongly affected by what I hear. Typically, it's my own voice, but if I've been watching British actors, my internal monologue can develop a British accent. Back when "Deadwood" was on every Sunday night,

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-16883064549849942932008-08-04T16:15:00.002-05:002008-08-04T16:29:41.064-05:00

I love books. No, I mean really. I love having books around me. I love reading them, organizing them, just OWNING them. I barely go to the library because I want to own books, mark them up, reread them and love them.Last night I had to empty my bookshelf because it had some loose screws and was sort of lilting to the left. So I took all the books out and stacked them up and tightened everything

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-72471036171083484272008-07-31T12:51:00.003-05:002008-07-31T12:59:14.771-05:00

Here are a very few photos from Florida. Most of them, especially ones I am in, are on my mom's camera, so I'll get those when she gets home this weekend.The whole family on the beach. My stepdad and Mom, my nephew Joey (7) and nieces Danielle (12) and Gabrielle (15), and me, of course. I'm not wearing pants on the beach - they're just capris that are too long on me.My nephew begged his sisters

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-9342583682814468362008-07-30T09:14:00.002-05:002008-07-30T09:28:53.997-05:00

Here I am, back from Florida. Much tanner than when I left. The highlights:Went to Epcot Center and the Magic Kingdom. Epcot is as delightfully square as I remember it. The Magic Kingdom is still as fuckin' annoying as ever.Universal Studios sucks up your money by selling "express" passes so you don't wait in the long lines. Sadly, you pretty much have to buy them in order to ride everything in

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-22837981869933863612008-07-20T10:55:00.003-05:002008-07-20T11:00:39.066-05:00

After Don't Spit the Water last night, I went out for drinks with some of the cast and crew, and at midnight, we celebrated the arrival of my birthday with song and shots.Later, one of the girls and I went out to dance in the rain. It was delightful, something I haven't done since college (when I got stuck in a rainstorm walking home and decided "fuck it"). I only regret that I was wearing my

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-70144068956138512192008-07-18T18:44:00.002-05:002008-07-18T18:52:13.312-05:00

I'm turning 30 on Sunday. I'm still a little freaked out by this.My friends who are already in their 30s tell me it is better than their 20s, that turning 30 is no big deal. I guess it's just that I'm not at all who I expected to be. If you'd asked me 10 years ago where I thought I'd be when I turned 30, it certainly wouldn't be single with a teaching certificate.I guess that's the thing to take

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-54009866074005563502008-07-14T11:48:00.004-05:002008-07-14T12:08:37.300-05:00

I have a paper I need to write, that is due Wednesday night, at the latest. Of course, I have all day today, so I should just bang it out and be done with it, and be able to spend Tuesday and Wednesday doing fun stuff to get ready for my trip to Florida. Right?No, of course I'm totally procrastinating. I'm pretending that I might actually move to California in the next 5 years, and I'm looking at

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-70825367154171648792008-07-13T12:39:00.004-05:002008-07-13T12:42:31.671-05:00

Last night, since my train stop is still closed, I took a very short cab ride home, rather than walk a mile at midnight (when Ravenswood is at its sketchiest).My Jamaican cab driver sang along with the radio, first to "The Locomotion," and then to "All She Wants to Do is Dance."I have to admire people who are that sure of themselves, to sing along to the radio in front of complete strangers.

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-51454027080904119062008-07-09T12:37:00.001-05:002008-07-09T12:39:34.331-05:00

I am now a certified teacher in the State of Illinois.All I need now are minds for molding.

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-8804228103952423872008-07-06T22:45:00.003-05:002008-07-06T22:55:00.768-05:00

So, it turns out that pounding in nails is a lot harder than it looks. And my thumb has the bruises to prove it.I spent most of the day down at A Red Orchid Theater, helping to build the set for the upcoming WNEP show, Metaluna and the Amazing Science of the Mind Revue. Sadly, I'm not working on this show, though I had planned to. Because of my summer school class, the trip I'm taking to Florida

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-71518058439701322202008-07-03T17:37:00.002-05:002008-07-03T17:43:35.580-05:00

I just got the "unofficial" results of my APT test - the final test you have to take before becoming certified as a teacher. I passed with flying colors. 300 is the highest, and 240 is passing - I got a 287 overall, and even got 300 on a couple of the sections. I suppose it doesn't really matter my score - I passed and that's all anyone who might hire me will ever know.That's one stress lifted -

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-17644086055257677562008-07-02T14:47:00.005-05:002008-07-02T16:44:25.125-05:00

Many of you have asked me recently, "so, how's the job hunt going?"It's not. Really, at all. The one job I had an interview for, they never called me back to schedule the second interview like they said they would, and now it looks like the job is filled. July is a total dead month for hiring teachers - all the principals take July off. Things will start up again in August, and I'll start making

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-61591386533738336552008-06-30T15:21:00.003-05:002008-06-30T15:28:23.873-05:00

So I've actually been riding the bike I bought. I went out last week and got a basket, and Saturday morning I felt very eco-friendly, riding my bike to grocery store with my reusable grocery bags. I'm sticking to short rides of less than about 2 miles at a time, as my hips are still giving me problems, but I'm hoping that bike-riding will help strengthen them.Sunday, my girlfriends and I went out

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-50035534115889105892008-06-25T13:07:00.004-05:002008-06-25T13:10:23.779-05:00

A couple good friends of mine became parents yesterday, for the second time. They welcomed the sweetest little girl into their lives, and she is adorable and perfect.I went to the hospital to see them yesterday, and got to hold her when she was only 6 hours old. It was amazing - I've never seen one so young before. They're so tiny and delicate. Their little fingernails are just dots. Like so many

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-5824871884371687862008-06-23T11:22:00.003-05:002008-06-23T11:32:40.735-05:00

I've been trying to ride my new bike, and I actually went on a 5 or so mile ride on Sunday with H. We rode down to the lake, enjoyed lunch on the shore, and got a little bit of sunburn. It was a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon.I feel like I have this huge gap between the person I am, and the person I want to be. Or maybe it's the person I feel I should be. Maybe it's the current upheaval

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-51639839607546623582008-06-20T15:37:00.004-05:002008-06-20T15:44:14.444-05:00

This morning, I went for an interview at a temp agency, so I can get a few days a week of work. I did really well on all the tests they give - 100% on data entry, 100% on Word, but only 87% on Excel (stupid formulas) and I type at about 60 WPM. I'm basically a dream temp. So I'll call in on Monday and see what they have for me.This afternoon, I rode my bike a bit. I'm using muscles that I'm not

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-75513270862900442632008-06-17T23:17:00.006-05:002008-06-19T12:53:51.155-05:00

I've decided that this summer, I'm going to be a just a little bit irresponsible.Ever since I was 16, I have worked. I worked part-time while in high school and college, and during summer breaks I worked full-time. I've been focused on making sure I was financially stable. I chose not to pursue a career in film or theater, mostly because they were careers where there would be years of uncertainty

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-74571445508681313682008-06-17T16:07:00.005-05:002008-06-17T16:12:42.869-05:00

If this headline included robots, it would be the greatest headline in news history.Myth of Dwarf Dinos in Dracula Country Confirmed

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-10502330835377410842008-06-10T23:15:00.004-05:002008-06-11T11:17:03.658-05:00

As I assumed, Kucinich's resolution to impeach Bush is being all but ignored by the mainstream media.Nancy Pelosi has said repeatedly that the Democrats in the House do not want to pursue impeachment against President Bush, stating that the trial would be distracting, divisive, and likely unsuccessful.I can understand that Congress doesn't want to create the distracting media circus so close to

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-24749431574760673692008-06-09T20:29:00.004-05:002008-06-09T20:52:30.061-05:00

At this very moment, Dennis Kucinich is about halfway through introducing 35 articles of impeachment against George W. Bush, on the floor of the House of Representatives.http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/6/9/191519/7181/915/533004He has been speaking for well over an hour, and none of the major news outlets are covering the event in anyway.Thank god for good old C-SPAN. If you don't have

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-42297729494122966632008-06-05T11:51:00.004-05:002008-06-05T11:58:01.562-05:00

Okay, my friends.Someday, I might want to run for president. And what we've learned from this nomination season (as well as seasons past), is that the candidate's friends receive as much scrutiny as the candidate.The latest story is that Tony Rezko, a former Obama fundraiser, has been convicted of fraud, money laundering, etc.So, now is the time to get all the dirty laundry out in the open. What

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-64768299679542865472008-06-04T13:41:00.003-05:002008-06-04T13:46:27.496-05:00

So I got into the doctor today, and thankfully, she doesn't think it is the flu. Mostly because I don't have a really high fever. More likely, it's an upper respiratory infection that grew out of my chronic sinusitis. I don't know if upper respiratory infections are commonly associated with severe muscle aches (which is the primary reason I thought I had the flu), but the doctor was also nice

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-89267377554645959422008-06-04T07:01:00.002-05:002008-06-04T07:07:39.929-05:00

oh, God. I think I'm dying.I have the flu. Full out, knock-you-on-your ass, flu. It just came up suddenly yesterday. Started with a mild sore throat and a bit of a headache yesterday morning, and by yesterday evening, my tonsils were twice their size, my lymph nodes are swollen and sore, and my body aches like someone beat me. I can barely swallow. I couldn't sleep at all last night because my

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-40137194757381855832008-05-30T07:02:00.003-05:002008-05-30T07:03:26.144-05:00

One of my students came in yesterday morning with a beautiful flower, handed it to me, and said, "Here Ms. H, I picked this for you. It's from my garden."How can you be sad when there's THAT?

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-25156805601232423062008-05-25T09:31:00.002-05:002008-05-25T09:51:52.221-05:00

Lately I've been experiencing these moments of what can really only be called melancholy. Sadness doesn't quite describe it - there's a sense of wistfulness and longing that I couldn't identify or explain.I finally realized this morning that the source is my longing for what I do not have. With spring comes the vast increase in mothers with strollers, happy couples hand-in-hand, goofy dogs

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-28474784665261859652008-05-24T20:27:00.002-05:002008-05-24T20:32:00.266-05:00

I know some of you are wondering how the interview went. I haven't written about it because I didn't want to write anything that was as positive as I felt, and then have it blow up in my face and not work out. And I hoped to have some news on Friday to share. Anyway, the interview seemed to go really well. The principal seemed to really like what I had to say, and at the end of the interview,

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-3037147345679753732008-05-17T10:34:00.002-05:002008-05-17T10:36:31.171-05:00

I was called this morning for an interview, for a position as a 7th grade language arts teacher. My interview is Monday afternoon!Guess what I'm spending the weekend doing...Please, I can use your good wishes, and any strong vibes you want to throw my way about 3:00 on Monday. I'm super-nervous!

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-77215728182789802512008-05-12T21:17:00.001-05:002008-05-12T21:17:27.245-05:00

The X-Files Movie! I can't wait!

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-83290656974702347872008-05-11T11:28:00.003-05:002008-05-11T11:38:22.082-05:00

An interesting change I've noticed in myself as I've progressed in my student teaching - I'm becoming a much more complimentary person. But it's a little twisted.In kindergarten, we use a lot of positive reinforcement. "I like how you are standing so quietly in line." "Thanks so much for sitting down so quietly." "I love how you are being such a good listener." My voice when saying such things

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-59854092147902567562008-05-02T21:00:00.007-05:002008-12-09T00:25:26.641-06:00

I just downloaded a bunch of pictures off my camera. Here are a few that cheered me up.This is a pair of tiny, mouth-blown glass vases I bought last month that I love. I picked flowers on my walk today. Maddie, in love with a turtle.Rogue loves his canned food. And whenever he's waiting for his food, he sits right at the edge of the cabinets, leaning against them and watching the counter, just

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-18952406056955609322008-05-02T16:08:00.002-05:002008-05-02T16:15:05.741-05:00

I just got my lease renewal from my landlord for next year (starting August 1) and discovered that instead of the customary $20 a month, my rent is going up $70 a month for next year. My rent is currently pretty far below market, especially considering how gentrified Ravenswood is becoming, but this is not what I was expecting.If I knew I had a job for next year, this wouldn't really be a big

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-57378533585158289362008-04-28T18:33:00.002-05:002008-04-28T18:52:27.641-05:00

Yesterday I got to spend the day doing something totally new. I took a two year-old to the Shedd Aquarium.Maddie's parents are in the middle of moving, and needed to spend the day cleaning their old apartment. So rather than Maddie and I sitting around all day, we bundled up and took a bus and a train and a bus, and headed downtown.If you've ever been to the Shedd in a wheelchair, or with a

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-51027651039908712572008-04-25T10:58:00.001-05:002008-04-25T10:59:06.693-05:00

So I'm alone with my kids today. There's a sub, but I'm in charge and running the show.Nobody's dead yet, and nobody's pooped their pants, so I guess it's going pretty good.

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-81672709507693823182008-04-23T18:35:00.002-05:002008-04-23T19:00:14.413-05:00

In watching the returns from the Pennsylvania primary last night, and in reading some of the news stories today, I'm a bit irritated by the response to Obama's "loss" in Pennsylvania. There's been a heavy focus on the fact that Obama spent a lot of money in Pennsylvania, but couldn't win it.Clinton was always expected to win Pennsylvania. But a few weeks ago, Obama was down 20 points in

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-63439463799065512542008-04-14T20:27:00.000-05:002008-04-14T20:35:45.987-05:00

There's a new commercial for the "Go Phone" that I've caught a couple of times. It uses the song "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" by Meatloaf. Disturbing that a song that is blatantly about a guy trying to get into a girl's pants is being reworked to be sung between a dad and son about the dad buying the kid a phone.Sad that Meatloaf is singing in the commercial and playing the dad. It just

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-13925595960138479232008-04-12T09:24:00.002-05:002008-04-12T09:37:57.747-05:00

I really wish I could figure out why I feel so awkward in social settings, and then get over it.I attended two "social functions" on Friday (which is like a record for me).First was a "teacher appreciation" lunch at my school. During our "in-service" day, we broke for a lunch buffet at a nearby restaurant. Of course, most of these teachers have known each other for a year, if not many years, so

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-51651771414220631882008-04-09T06:48:00.001-05:002008-04-09T06:49:33.009-05:00

There are gray and white hairs appearing in my eyebrows.This is an upsetting development.

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-87974927105136568742008-04-06T18:01:00.002-05:002008-04-06T18:04:14.801-05:00

Inspired by the hilarious things my kindergarteners say, I've started a new writing prompt blog, called "You Look Fancy!" Each week I'll post a quote from one of my kindergarteners as a writing prompt. Anyone who wishes to respond to the prompt is invited to send in poems, essays, short stories - whatever floats your boat. The first prompt is posted, so please check it out! http://

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-31992003401254822832008-04-04T22:43:00.000-05:002008-04-04T22:44:07.728-05:00

76. Learn to whistle with my fingers.77. Go hang-gliding.78. Play with my dog on a beach.79. Visit Tokyo.80. Complete a 5k.81. Travel through New Zealand and Australia.82. Perform a striptease.83. Just once, feel infinite.84. Try rock climbing.85. Learn to perform basic car repairs.86. Attend my 20-year high school reunion.87. Visit Niagara Falls.88. Go to an estate sale and buy up old books.89.

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-64434245737196979142008-04-02T20:54:00.002-05:002008-04-02T21:14:55.346-05:00

With my new schedule, I get out of school around 2:30, and I'm usually home around 3:00 or a little later. It's very weird. I'm used to not getting home until about 5:30 or 6:00. Can I tell you, there is NOTHING on TV at 3 or 4 o'clock? It makes procrastination difficult. So I've been actually cleaning up my house, and doing other necessary chores. I'm getting things done, which is a nice

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-82190251138799613382008-03-30T16:32:00.000-05:002008-03-30T00:01:27.787-05:00

51. Learn to surf.52. Watch a sunset from a Hawaiian volcano.53. Tour the castles of England.54. Participate in a soapbox derby.55. Visit the Sistine Chapel.56. Play in the snow with my own kid.57. Drink in a pub in an Irish village.58. Build a tree house.59. Spend 24 hours in daylight.60. Ride a gondola through the canals of Venice.61. Ride a canopy zip-line.62. Make-out during a drive-in movie

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-83048320223577554112008-03-25T16:27:00.002-05:002008-03-25T17:11:24.623-05:00

26. Adopt a dog from a shelter.27. Swim with a dolphin.28. Visit Vietnam.29. Learn to ballroom dance.30. Write a children's book.31. Go to Liverpool.32. Knit a sweater I would actually wear.33. Take a photography course.34. Spend a day in a swank spa.35. Visit all 50 of the United States.36. Own my own home.37. Fly a kite on the beach.38. Be part of a food fight.39. Host a dinner party.40. Go

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-70140295604004150532008-03-23T13:20:00.002-05:002008-03-23T13:23:31.238-05:00

Tomorrow is my first day of teaching.For the sake of organization, I have a new blog that will solely be a chronicle of my teaching experiences. If you're interested, please feel free to check out Taking on Teaching. It's linked over in the right-hand navigation if you'd like to keep up with my adventures. It might get updated more often than this for a while, since student teaching is going to

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-87732272866985202342008-03-22T12:28:00.004-05:002008-03-22T12:41:53.238-05:00

Inspired by Maggie Mason's list, I decided to do one of my own.In no particular order (i.e. as they come to me), here is 1-25 of my list of 100 things to do before I die.1. See the Grand Canyon2. Sail around the world in a yacht.3. Give birth.4. Swim naked in the sea.5. Write a book.6. Visit a medieval European city.7. Tour Ireland.8. See the light of learning turn on in a child I teach.9.

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-8787512316229524252008-03-18T22:32:00.001-05:002008-03-18T22:34:02.510-05:00

Barack Obama made an incredible speech today on race and religion and the unfulfilled promises of America. This is one of the most honest examinations of the racial conflict that still exists in this country that I've ever heard from any public official.Below, I quote the core of the speech. The link above has both the video and the transcript. I strongly urge you to take 15 minutes to watch or

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-47688146020320807782008-03-14T13:03:00.012-05:002008-03-20T11:44:59.279-05:00

Cause it's Friday, let's meme. This one is kind of fun.Courtesy of Ms. Sizzle* Pick 15 of your favorite movies* Go to IMDB and find a quote from each movie (or quote them from memory because you are that bad ass)* Post them on your blog for everyone to guess* Fill in the film title once it’s been guessedThese are your rules* No Googling or using IMDB search functions (Don’t cheat!)* Leave your

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-86137074744560588622008-03-13T09:20:00.002-05:002008-03-13T09:30:52.090-05:00

This is an awesome story. Two pygmy sperm whales were trapped on along a beach in New Zealand (a sandbar along the beach confused them). The beach has a friendly dolphin that often shows up to play with swimmers and boaters. A local conservation official had been trying to push the whales out to sea, and was having little luck, when he saw the dolphin approach the whales. They made noises to each

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-65279150025325802992008-03-07T21:24:00.003-06:002008-03-07T21:31:52.053-06:00

Today was my last day of work. I am now unemployed. I have no job. At all.My entire identity is changing. I'm no longer "in promotions for a non-profit." I'm a "student." Or a "soon-to-be-teacher." Or "between jobs." If you want to send a pizza to my house, I'll accept.

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-4389091930118632792008-03-05T10:36:00.004-06:002008-03-05T10:46:12.094-06:00

*BEGIN WHINING*Ok, guys. Today is a yucky day. Obama did not do as well as I'd hoped in the primaries last night (CURSE YOU OHIO), and I have some sort of raging infection. Sore throat, swollen glands, achy joints, headaches, phlegm (eww!). Most likely a sinus infection, but possibly a little bout of the flu. I never get flu shots, because I almost never get sick. Seriously, I've had the flu

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319815.post-61515668411587288212008-03-04T06:52:00.003-06:002008-03-04T06:53:39.830-06:00

If you need me to list reasons why, then you've been living under a rock.

stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973395770046172511noreply@blogger.com1